Facilities Improvement Bond Proposal Frequently Asked Questions

No. Bond proposal funds cannot be used for employee salaries. They also cannot be used for repair or maintenance costs or other operating expenses. Bond proposal funds must be used only for purposes specified in the ballot language, and as required by state law, they must be independently audited.

The length of the Midland Public Schools’ bond proposal is 25 years.

The facility improvement and construction projects cannot be competed as proposed.

Here is the official language voters will see on their May 6, 2025 ballot:

Wait... why does it say 3.90 mills? I thought it was a 3.25 mill increase?

Here's how it works: Taxpayers are currently paying 2.95 mills for the 2015 MPS bond proposal. If the Facilities Improvement Bond Proposal is approved by voters, Midland Public Schools will continue to collect the full 2.95 mills for the 2015 bond. Just like a mortgage, interest on the principal amount of the 2015 bond declines over time. As interest declines, the difference will be allocated to the 2025 bond, so the total increase that taxpayer will feel on their tax bill is 3.25 mills, even though the ballot language says 3.90 mills. 

To sum it up: 2.95 mills (current) + 3.25 mills (proposed) = 6.20 total mills on your tax bill

View and download the bond proposal language document here

If voters approve the May 6 Facilities Improvement Bond Proposal, the design phase will begin immediately. The design phase includes developing bidding and construction schedules for all projects. Bonds will be sold in four series (to reduce interest costs), with work occurring across the district during each series.

The chart below outlines the tentative project schedule and timeline.

MPS took a comprehensive approach to gathering community feedback on facility planning. A series of focus panels and an online survey were conducted to obtain feedback about addressing facility needs. A postcard with the survey link was mailed to every household in the Midland Public Schools community. Additionally, the survey link was emailed to parents, families, and district newsletter subscribers.

To expand outreach, community partner organizations were invited to share the survey link within their networks. In addition, school district and community social media platforms were used to promote survey participation.

Yes. Voters who support the Midland Public Schools’ Facilities Improvement Bond Proposal should vote YES; voters who oppose the Facilities Improvement Bond Proposal should vote NO.

Midland Public Schools officials are sharing information about the Facilities Improvement Bond Proposal through community meetings, direct mailings, social media, the school district website, and the news media.

To view a complete list of bond projects and learn more about the Facilities Improvement Bond Proposal, visit www.midlandps.org/bondproposal.

Enrollment for the 2024-25 school year at Midland Public Schools is 7,425 students. Student enrollment is stable.

Student enrollment is projected to increase by 2.2% in the coming years. A detailed report that includes 5-year enrollment projections can be found via the link below:
Michigan Alliance for Student Opportunity Enrollment Projects Report (PDF)
Enrollment Interpretation Guide (PDF)

Major projects include installing emergency alert systems, expanding video surveillance and access control systems, installing safety glass on select windows, and replacing Public Address systems.

Pre-K programming will be offered at all elementary school sites. Offering Pre-K programming at the elementary level will provide an easier transition for students from preschool to kindergarten. In addition, there will be more opportunities for Pre-K through 5th grade curriculum planning and collaboration, greater efficiencies in program delivery, and opportunities for program expansion.

Major projects include updating classrooms to support the delivery of the curriculum, creating spaces for emerging program expansion and Career & Technical Education (CTE) areas of study, providing more flexible learning spaces, and providing additional learning spaces for students with special needs.

In addition, Jefferson Middle School will receive an addition to expand student learning spaces.

Major projects include updating elementary play areas to provide access for all students, purchasing musical instruments, updating art and music spaces, updating Midland Community Stadium, and improving athletic facilities at all secondary schools.

Major projects include improving cost efficiencies by taking two outdated buildings offline (Carpenter Pre-Primary Center and Northeast Middle School), upgrading electrical and HVAC systems to improve learning environments, updating and renovating classrooms and interior spaces, and replacing roofing.

In addition, a new elementary school will be constructed in the northern area of the school district and a new middle school will be constructed on the Northeast Middle School site.

During the last two and a half years, MPS has been working through a process to address current and future facility needs. The major focus of the process was to enhance the learning environment and provide facilities that support the educational program for students.

The process began with MPS administration, department leaders, building principals, and athletic directors, with guidance from industry experts, completing an in-depth facility assessment of each building. The MPS administrative team then met with Board of Education committees to discuss the assessment findings, long-term needs of the school district, and priority areas to address throughout the school district.

Community and staff input also played an important role in defining the projects included in the May 6 Facilities Improvement Bond Proposal. Through surveys and focus panels, stakeholders shared their opinions about facility needs, grade structures, and priority projects to be completed.

The result of the facility planning survey and the community and staff input phase resulted in establishing five key priority areas that include:

1. Enhancing safety and security;
2. Expanding Pre-K program opportunities;
3. Improving educational program spaces at all school sites;
4. Upgrading arts, athletics, and elementary play areas; and,
5. Addressing aging facilities and infrastructure needs.

Project costs were identified, and an application to the Michigan Department of Treasury was submitted for review and approval. The Board of Education set the election after receiving approval of the bond application from the Michigan Department of Treasury.

You can share your thoughts about May 6 bond proposal by visiting www.research.net/r/MidlandFacilitiesBond

To fund improvements and enhancements at all school facilities, the 2025 Facilities Improvement Bond Proposal will require a 3.25 millage rate increase over the current 2.95 rate. The total debt millage rate will be 6.20 mills.

The Facilities Improvement Bond Proposal will require a 3.25 mill increase. To calculate your yearly cost, take the taxable value of your home from your most recent tax bill and multiply that number by 0.00325. See the chart below to see sample costs.

Research shows that property values are often higher in communities with school districts known for quality education and modern, well-maintained facilities. The projects included in the Midland Public Schools Facilities Improvement Bond Proposal are specifically designed to enhance the school district's reputation for excellence and efficiency, which can positively influence homeowner property values.

The Facilities Improvement Bond Proposal offers many advantages for residents who do not have school-age children. Midland Public Schools facilities and grounds are frequently used by community members of all ages, fostering shared spaces for various activities and events.

Strong schools are the backbone of a thriving community. By maintaining our schools, we protect our community’s investment and create an inviting environment that attracts families and businesses, contributing to the vitality and growth of our community.

If the Facilities Improvement Bond Proposal is approved, City of Midland taxpayers will see half of the increase on their Summer 2025 tax bill and the remainder on their Winter 2025 tax bill. Taxpayers outside the City of Midland will see the full 3.25 mill increase on their Winter 2025 tax bill.

Midland Public Schools currently levies 2.95 mills for debt. If voters approve the May 6 Facilities Improvement Bond Proposal, the total debt millage rate Midland Public Schools residents will be assessed is 6.20 mills. The proposed 6.20 (2.95, current rate, plus 3.25 proposed mill increase) millage rate is lower than Bullock Creek and Meridian School Districts.

Midland County School District Debt Fund Rates

Midland Public Schools currently levies 2.95 mills for debt. If voters approve the May 6 Facilities Improvement Bond Proposal, Midland Public Schools’ total debt millage rate will be 6.20 mills. The 6.20 millage rate is lower than most benchmark school districts.

• Enhance Safety + Security Distrct-Wide
• Expand Pre-K Offerings
• Modernizing Educational Program Space District-Wide
• Upgrading Arts, Athletics + Elementary Play Areas
• Addressing Aging Facilities + Infrastructure Needs

Registered voters who reside in Midland Public Schools who will be 18 years of age or older on Election Day can vote in this election.

Registered voters do not need a reason to vote by absentee ballot. You can request an absentee ballot application from your local clerk’s office or by going online to www.michigan.gov/vote and clicking on Vote at home. Applicants will receive an absentee ballot in the mail. Absentee ballots will be available to voters after March 27 and can be cast through Election Day.

You need to update your voter registration if you have changed your name or address since the last time you voted. You can do this at any Secretary of State Office or your local clerk’s office.

Yes. Voters who support the Midland Public Schools’ Facilities Improvement Bond Proposal should vote YES; voters who oppose the Facilities Improvement Bond Proposal should vote NO.

Go to the Michigan Voter Information website (www.michigan.gov/vote) or contact your local clerk’s office.

• Visit www.midlandps.org/bondproposal
• Contact Communications: 989-923-4411
• Email: communications@midlandps.org

MPS carefully considered updating existing schools and adding onto them. However, building new schools offers several advantages:

• Energy Efficiency: Older schools often lack modern energy-saving features. New construction allows for the integration of the latest energy-efficient technologies, leading to lower operating costs.
• Safety and Security: New schools are designed with advanced safety features like secure entry points and emergency communication systems.
• Modern Learning Environments: New schools are built to accommodate modern teaching methods, technology integration, and collaborative learning spaces. Renovating older buildings may not meet these needs.
• Accessibility: New buildings are designed to be fully accessible, ensuring inclusivity for all students. Retrofitting older buildings for accessibility is often complex and costly.
• Space Constraints: Many existing schools lack the space for significant additions without sacrificing playgrounds and green spaces. New construction allows for better use of space.
• Long-Term Costs: While initial costs may be higher, new construction can minimizes future repairs, upgrades, and ongoing maintenance.

In summary, building new schools provides a more sustainable, efficient, and effective solution for meeting the district's long-term educational needs.

For the current school year, the school district has approximately 13 teachers who are teaching sections of their class from a cart. This is mainly happening at Siebert, Woodcrest, and Central Park.

If a new elementary school is constructed with a capacity of 450 - 550 students, boundary adjustments will occur to balance enrollment in other schools. Projections indicate that approximately 20-25 classrooms in existing elementary schools would be available for repurposing once the adjustments occur.

The new elementary school will be constructed in the northern area of the school district.

The new elementary school is scheduled to open in the Fall of 2029.

Enrollment trends and community growth in the northern area of the school district have created a need for a new elementary school.

An in-depth traffic flow and transportation study will be conducted. Bus routes, student walking paths, and drop-off routes will be reconfigured to ensure a safe, organized, and efficient traffic pattern. Several options will be generated and considered to determine what will work best for students and the community. Pre-K students will have the opportunity to use transportation alongside their elementary peers wherever routes are available.

Midland Public Schools will follow the procedures for staff selection as outlined in the bargaining agreement between the school district and MPS teachers.

Representatives of the school community will be involved in establishing elementary school boundaries. Planning for restructuring elementary school boundaries will begin when the site for the new elementary school is determined.

Carpenter Pre-Primary Center will remain open until the Pre-K classrooms are ready at elementary schools. Programming at Carpenter is projected to continue until Fall 2029. Relocating Pre-K programs to elementary schools will allow for the expansion of programming for students, streamlining early childhood education into the elementary school setting and enhancing Pre-K accessibility for families.

While Carpenter Pre-Primary Center continues to serve students, MPS will evaluate facility needs to ensure the facility meets Midland Public Schools’ operational standards. If updates are needed to keep the learning environment safe for students or to support the educational program, those improvements will be addressed.

Northeast Middle school was built in 1950. While it has served the community well, it has now reached the end of its useful life and needs to be replaced.

Key Considerations

• Aging Infrastructure:
  • The building requires major repairs and upgrades to systems like HVAC, plumbing, and electrical.
• Educational Needs:
  • Northeast Middle School cannot adequately support modern teaching methods and student learning without substantial updates/upgrades.
• Long-Term Costs:
  • Maintaining the existing building will involve ongoing, substantial reinvestments.
• Sustainability:
  • Aging systems contribute to high energy costs, negatively impacting the school district's general fund.

Three options were considered to address facility needs at Northeast Middle School:
Maintain the status quo, Build a new facility Complete major infrastructure renovations

Following a thorough analysis of each option, replacing Northeast Middle School was identified as the most cost effective option. It provides the greatest flexibility for current and future educational programming while serving students for generations to come. 

Read the Report on Northeast Middle School Facility Findings (PDF)

Replacing Northeast Middle School with a new facility will achieve 40–45% energy savings, reducing annual costs by potentially $52,000–$58,500 compared to the current building. Over 15 years, this totals $780,000–$875,000 in general fund savings. A new build provides greater efficiency, lower operational costs, and improved long-term performance over the existing structure.

Please use the links below to access the audit report for the specified year.

2015 School Building and Site Bonds, Series 1 - May 21, 2015 through August 28, 2019 (PDF)

2019 School Building and Site Bonds, Series II Period May 7, 2019 through June 30, 2023 (PDF)

Student enrollment across Michigan is declining, but there are many pockets of growth across the State. Midland is one of them. Midland’s student enrollment is stable and predicted to grow by approximately 2% in the next five years. For more details, visit www.midlandps.org/bondproposal and click on “Enrollment Trends”.

Not true. Bond money can only be used for items specified in the bond proposal and never for routine repairs, maintenance, and employee salaries. That’s the law!

No. MPS students are not failing at reading and math. In fact, 11th-grade SAT scores indicate that MPS ranks 18th out of 637 Michigan districts and 21st for English Language Arts. This puts MPS in the top 3% of Michigan districts.

By law, bond revenue cannot be used for repairs. As Northeast Middle School ages, there comes a point where increased maintenance and renovation costs make replacement a more financially sensible option. Read the Northeast Facility Findings report at www.midlandps.org/bondproposal under “Aging Facilities” for more details”.

All 2015 bond projects were completed as specified in the ballot proposal.

The net increase for taxpayers will be 3.25 mills, as shared publicly. Right now, MPS is collecting 2.95 mills for the 2015 bond. If the 2025 bond passes, the total collected will be 6.2 mills for both bonds—an increase of 3.25 mills. However, within that 6.2 mills, 3.9 mills will go toward the 2025 bond. As bond payments and interest costs decline, the net effect of the 2025 bond will be a 3.25 mill increase. For more details, visit www.midlandps.org/bondproposal under “Ballot Language Breakdown”.

Invitations to bid on bond projects will be widely distributed. Any interested contractor can submit a bid. Eighty percent of the contracts awarded for the 2015 bond proposal were local (located within a 60-mile radius of Midland). Successful bidders from outside the 60-mile radius were selected because local contractors didn’t have the required qualifications, experience, or capacity to address various specialty projects and, generally, opted not to bid. Visit https://midlandps.diligent.community/portal and see MPS Policy 3306 under “Board of Education Policies” for details.

Research indicates that modern, up-to-date, well-maintained school facilities positively impact student achievement and success.

Check out this article from PDK International for more information:
https://kappanonline.org/how-crumbling-school-facilities-perpetuate-inequality-filardo-vincent-sullivan/

A new middle school will be constructed on the current Northeast site. The construction process will take a few years and will take place while Northeast Middle School is in session. Students will transition to the new school beginning with the new school year. No school has ever been designed and built in “a summer,” and the new middle school is no different.

Odds are, your house doesn’t experience the wear and tear that occurs when 500 - 1,000 students walk the floors, open and close the doors, and use the toilets daily. Schools see a lot of use--far more than residential homes.

No. Maintenance has not been delayed. MPS continually invests in maintaining its buildings and facilities. All financial transparency information for Midland Public Schools can be found at www.midlandps.org.

Two factors affect space utilization data: the number of classrooms and students per classroom. If one number goes up, the other comes down. The bond application was based on an average of 20 - 21.25 students per classroom, depending on the grade. For planning, Midland’s target is based on an average of 25 students per classroom. It also accounts for Pre-K and special education students. The MPS numbers are close to the 85% utilization rate and will prevent over-building. For more details, visit www.midlandps.org/bondproposal and click on “Space Utilization Summary Analysis.”

No. As with a homeowner’s mortgage, there are interest costs related to borrowing money. However, MPS can obtain a lower interest rate by issuing general obligation bonds. Also, issuing the bonds in four series will lower interest costs over the life of the bond proposal.

The MPS facilities assessment indicates that, with minimal investments, Northeast Middle School can serve students for another 6-8 years. Indeed, this is being proposed in the MPS Facilities Improvement Bond Proposal on the May 6 ballot.

MPS selected Barton Malow Builders as the district’s construction management firm and French Associates as the architectural firm to provide services for the bond proposal development process. These highly regarded firms actively participated in a comprehensive facilities assessment conducted in 2022.

MPS has and continues to take intentional research-based actions to improve student learning and achievement in all grades. Those actions include ensuring learning is aligned with state academic standards, implementing highly effective instructional strategies, providing supplemental tutoring and interventions for students, and providing quality professional learning to our teachers, support staff, and administrators.

MPS has a history of clean, unmodified audit opinions—meaning independent auditors found the district’s financial statements to be accurate and in compliance with standards. All annual audits, including those for the 2015 bond, are publicly posted on the district website, demonstrating transparent and responsible financial management.

School of Choice students are not causing overcrowding. The number of nonresident students enrolled in MPS is balanced by a similar number of resident students attending other school districts.

This is false. Updates to CTE programs are included in the bond proposal. Information about those updates at the middle and high schools can be found in the bond application available on the MPS website www.midlandps.org/bondproposal.

MPS has repeatedly committed to maintaining pools. The pool at H. H. Dow High School will be maintained, as will the pool at Northeast through the life of the school. MPS has also publicly committed to being a key part of the community-based solution for additional pools.  

Great schools with great facilities boost property values and attract families, strengthening the entire community. The quality of local schools is one of the top factors homebuyers consider. It is a proven economic driver, not just "a feel-good bonus."

The Michigan Department of Treasury specifically allows bond funds to be used for buses and technology, recognizing the importance of safe transportation and modern learning tools.

The May 2025 election was the first available election date following the completion of a thorough planning process that included community input. The needs of the district are real and time-sensitive, which heightened the need for the May election. MPS has worked diligently to ensure that all citizens were informed about the bond proposal and the election by sending several mailings to citizens, hosting multiple community information sessions, and providing information to the Midland Daily News.

Only citizens who own property will see school millages on their tax bill.