July 1, 2026 - After months of study and community engagement, the Blueprint for Tomorrow Steering Team has recommended that the Midland Public Schools Board of Education consider placing a 1.5-1.75 mill sinking fund on the November ballot as the first step in a long-term facilities roadmap.
The recommended sinking fund would generate approximately $4.6 million to $5.4 million annually to address critical aging infrastructure and other facility needs. Recognizing that this amount can only go so far, the Steering Team has also recommended continued engagement with students, staff, and the community to develop a future bond proposal that can have a more significant impact on the district’s needs.
The recommendation presented at the June 29 special Board of Education meeting followed an extensive facility planning process. The 29-member Blueprint for Tomorrow Steering Team, made up of MPS parents, staff, and community members, led the effort. The team reviewed facility assessments, school funding options, educational programming, and community feedback gathered through public engagement sessions, public comments, meetings with PTO and booster groups, district-wide surveys, and polling of likely voters. The team used this information to help develop its recommendation.
The Thinking Behind Sinking Funds
A sinking fund is a voter-approved local property tax that allows school districts to create a dedicated, "pay-as-you-go" account. Because it functions on cash flow rather than borrowing, districts avoid taking on debt or paying interest. Dollars generated by a sinking fund can be used only for specific items, such as building repairs or renovations, infrastructure repairs or replacements, and safety and security improvements. Sinking funds cannot be used for operational expenses, supplies, staff salaries, furniture, or maintenance.
For its recommendation to the Board, the Blueprint for Tomorrow Steering Team identified infrastructure improvements, safety and security upgrades, and career and technical education (CTE) enhancements, including skilled trades, as priorities for future investments. These focus areas were identified as top community priorities based on survey results and polling conducted in May and June 2026.
"The Board is greatly appreciative of the time, energy, and efforts that the members of the Blueprint for Tomorrow have given in support of this process and our district,” said Board of Education President Phil Rausch. “Public engagement has been critical to this facility planning process, and we are also grateful for the community members who have been engaged by attending meetings, participating in surveys, and sharing their input along the way. We are committed as a Board to selecting a solution that is grounded in what’s best for students and community values.”
MPS Superintendent Penny Miller-Nelson says the recommendation is an important first step in developing a long-term facility plan and reiterates the District’s commitment to transparency and public information sharing every step of the way.
“Developing a plan that prioritizes student experiences, addresses the district’s facilities needs, and incorporates community desires is no easy feat, and we are optimistic that the Steering Team’s recommendation is the first step in a long-term facilities plan that accomplishes these goals,” she said. “No matter what path forward we pursue, we remain committed to being the most responsible stewards of community resources and to communicating information frequently and transparently throughout the process.”
Next Steps and Opportunities for Engagement
The recommendation is intended to serve as the first phase of a longer facilities roadmap rather than a final destination. The Blueprint for Tomorrow Steering Team recommended continuing to work with the community while evaluating future facility needs, with a potential bond proposal considered for 2028.
The Board of Education will discuss the Steering Team’s recommendation at its July 20 regular Board meeting, decide on a path forward, and then decide on a ballot proposal at a special meeting on August 5.
MPS invites residents to learn more about the Blueprint for Tomorrow Steering Team’s recommendation and share feedback during community engagement sessions on Wednesday, July 15, at Jefferson Middle School. Two identical sessions will be offered from noon to 1 p.m. and 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. in the Little Theater. These sessions will explain the recommendation, answer questions, and gather input before the Board of Education considers its next steps.
For more information on the MPS facility planning process, visit www.midlandps.org/facilityplanning.
