Midland Public Schools Board Reaches Consensus on Proposed Facilities Sinking Fund
Midland Public Schools Board Reaches Consensus on Proposed Facilities Sinking Fund
July 20, 2026 — At its regular meeting on Monday, July 20, the Midland Public Schools Board of Education reached consensus on a proposal that would support school safety and security and help address the district’s most pressing building and infrastructure needs.
The Board agreed to move forward with a proposed 1.5-mill, 10-year sinking fund to provide dedicated funding for safety and security improvements while addressing the district’s most urgent infrastructure needs. The recommendation, put forth by the Blueprint for Tomorrow Steering Team last month, was developed following months of facility assessment, thoughtful discussion, and numerous public engagement opportunities.
Priority projects identified in the proposal for the first four years include the following improvements:
Updating security camera systems
Adding buzzer entry systems at schools
Replacing and repairing roofs
Upgrading HVAC infrastructure
Improving site drainage and elementary playground surfaces
Renovating and repairing school buildings
The structure of a sinking fund also provides some flexibility to address urgent, unexpected capital expenditures in unforeseen circumstances and to respond to changing facility needs over time. If unforeseen needs arise, the Board is committed to communicating openly with the community and discussing any proposed changes to the planned use of these funds.
The sinking fund proposal would allow the district to make improvements without incurring debt or paying interest. If approved by voters, the sinking fund would cost the average homeowner about $15 per month.
“We want to thank the parents, students, business owners, staff, and community members who participated in the facility planning process to get us to this point,” said MPS Board President Phil Rausch. “Through listening to their feedback, we were able to reach a consensus on a community proposal that allows us to address urgent and necessary infrastructure needs and safety improvements in a fiscally responsible manner.”
“As we move forward, our commitment remains the same: to keep our community informed with timely, factual information and to ensure we continue being responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars,” said MPS Superintendent Penny Miller-Nelson. “We encourage every resident of our district to stay engaged in this process as we work to ensure our students have safe, reliable school buildings where they can learn, grow, and thrive for years to come.”
The Board will hold a special meeting on Wednesday, August 5, at 4 p.m. at the MPS Administration Center to approve the ballot language voters will see this November.
