School bond and tax elections in Michigan

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Bond elections
2018 • 2017 • 2016 • 2015
2014 • 2013 • 2012 • 2011
2010 • 2009 • 2008
All years and states
Property tax elections
2018 • 2017 • 2016 • 2015
2014 • 2013 • 2012 • 2011
2010 • 2009 • 2008
All years and states
See also
State comparisons
How voting works
Approval rates

## Contents

* 1 Laws affecting school finance
* 1.1 Sinking fund levy law
* 1.2 Property Tax Limitation Cap of 1933
* 2 Six steps of the bond procedure
* 2.1 Strategic planning
* 2.2 Preliminary qualification approval by SBQLP
* 2.3 Election by the district's voters
* 2.4 Final qualification approval and issuance of bonds by SBQLP
* 2.5 Construction begins
* 2.6 Audit of bonded construction funds
* 3 Conduct of the bond election, limitations, rules
* 3.1 Authority conducting elections
* 3.2 Election dates
* 3.3 Needed majority
* 3.4 Special elections
* 3.5 Wording of measures
* 4 Required notice of bond election
* 4.1 General elections
* 4.2 Special elections
* 5 List of 2010 school bond referendums
* 6 List of historical bond referendums
* 6.1 2009
* 6.2 2008
* 6.3 May 6 election
* 6.4 January 15 election
* 7 See also
* 8 External links
* 9 Footnotes

School bond and tax elections in Michigan are held under two circumstances.

* To issue new bonding
* To exceed the property tax cap or sinking fund levy limit.

However, before a school board can place a bond measure on the ballot, the bond must be qualified through the Michigan School Bond Qualification and Loan Program, or SBQLP. SBQLP is authorized through the Michigan Constitution.

## Laws affecting school finance[edit]

### Sinking fund levy law[edit]

In Michigan, any school district must issue a ballot question if they seek new bonding that exceeds five percent of the current debt limitation of a school district. Under Michigan Law, school districts are limited in their major building renovations and construction projects along with the purchase of property. School districts are barred under the law to issue sinking fund levy ballot questions for technology and transportation related matters. The Michigan Legislature mandated ballot questions on the Sinking Fund Levy Law in 1976. The Sinking fund levy was passed by the Michigan Legislature in 1933.

### Property Tax Limitation Cap of 1933[edit]

Under Michigan Law, there is a straight-forward Property Tax Revenue Cap. The law was approved by the Michigan Legislature in 1933 under the Michigan Property Tax Limitation Cap Act of 1933. Michigan has a fifteen mill limit in effect in which school districts cannot impose property taxes beyond fifteen mills of valued property. Michigan is one of a few states that expresses its property tax limitation caps in the amount of millage of valued property over a mathematical formula.

## Six steps of the bond procedure[edit]

### Strategic planning[edit]

This process usually takes a year or more before the election. This process allows for school districts to find the desired goals of their financial needs. After determining their goals, the district conducts a series of analysis and assessments of educational, facility and program needs which would determine how a school district proceeds with its project. It is considered the blueprint of how a project is conducted as it writes out when the project begins, ends, and the operating budget used to manage the project.

A school district weighs these factors in their strategic planning:

* Study to determine current and long-range capital improvement needs.
* Long range enrollment projection (5-10 year period)
* Determining classroom needs based on the following teaching station utilization standards set by the State of Michigan:

* Lower Elementary = 20 students per teaching station
* Upper Elementary = 25 students per teaching station
* Middle School = 22.5 students per teaching station
* High School = 21.25 students per teaching station

* Determining the construction priorities for the project
* Identify potential sites of new and existing land for site acquisition and conducting environmental impact studies.
* Consulting local governments on zoning issues.
* Consulting utility providers regarding services, easements, availability and costs.
* Developing the final construction and financial plans for the budget.
* Deciding if state qualified bonds should be issued or exceeding the sinking fund levy within the parameters of the sinking fund levy law.[1]

### Preliminary qualification approval by SBQLP[edit]

Preliminary qualification is considered the first step for a school district holding wanting to hold an election. The following process is done in order to have preliminary approval:

* Approval of preliminary financial and construction plans from the respective school board.
* Filling out financial estimate paperwork for qualification to the Michigan State Treasurer's Office.
* Approval meeting with the Michigan State Treasurer's Office.
* Complete any revisions to approval forms asked by the State Treasurer's Office.
* Adopt an official resolution within the allowable time frame set by law.
* Conduct a site-walk through with State Treasurer's Office officials.[1]

### Election by the district's voters[edit]

The election is considered the most critical step in getting the bonds approved by the Michigan School Bond Qualification and Loan Program. After the election, the school district must notify the State Treasurer's Office of the result and outcome of the election. If a majority of voters approve a ballot question for bonds, then the process moves to the final qualification process. If the questions fails, the process stops.[1]

### Final qualification approval and issuance of bonds by SBQLP[edit]

If a school district is granted approval by the voters for bonds, then the process moves to a Final Qualification process. Under this process, the school district must:

* Fill out Final Qualification approval form to be sent to the Michigan SBQLP.
* Conduct a thorough review of the Final Qualification approval application and have the school district approve the form via a resolution. Once approved, the application and all necessary documents are sent to the Michigan SBQLP.
* Receive bond funding from the State of Michigan along with an invoice to pay a qualification fee.
* School district pays qualification fee to the Michigan SBQLP within 30 days of receiving bond funds.[1]

### Construction begins[edit]

Under Michigan Law, school districts are restricted on how they can use bond funding.

Allowable use of bond proceeds:

* Constructing new school buildings
* Constructing additions to existing school buildings
* Remodeling existing school buildings
* Energy conservation improvements
* Asbestos abatement
* Land purchases
* Site development and improvements
* Athletic and physical education facility development and improvements
* Playground development and improvements
* Refunding debt (if new present value savings can be demonstrated)
* Direct bond program costs such as professional fees, election fees, issuance costs, qualification fees, insurance fees,

final audit costs

* School bus purchases
* Loose furnishings and equipment purchasing
* Technology purchases limited to hardware and communication devices that transmit, receive or compute information for

pupil instructional purposes only. The initial purchase of operating system and customized application software is allowed if purchased with the initial hardware.

All school district construction must undergo competitive bidding as no-bid contracts are prohibited for school construction. Also, all construction sites must be inspected by the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Growth's Bureau of Construction Codes and Fire Safety on a periodic basis. All school construction projects must follow the Michigan Prevailing Wage law as all contractors must pay prevailing wages. Lastly, all school districts must have separate construction fund accounts for bond proceeds and debt service under law. If any unused funds remain then the funds can be used to pay for enhancements, debt service, or bond repayment to the State of Michigan.

Unallowable uses of bond proceeds

* Repairs, maintenance, or maintenance agreements
* Supplies, salaries, service contracts, lease payments, installment purchase contracts
* Automobiles, trucks, or vans
* Portable classrooms purchased for temporary use
* Uniforms
* Textbooks
* Upgrades to an existing computer operating system or application software
* Computer training, computer consulting, or computer maintenance contracts.[1]

### Audit of bonded construction funds[edit]

Once all construction is complete, a school district must have an audit conducted for the project by an independent auditor appointed by the State of Michigan. This audit is conducted within 120 days after all construction has been completed. The audit must be supervised by the Local Audit Division of the Michigan State Treasurer's Office.[1]

## Conduct of the bond election, limitations, rules[edit]

### Authority conducting elections[edit]

The respective County Election Commission is responsible for conducting elections.

### Election dates[edit]

In Michigan, school bond elections must be held on one of four regular election dates, or a limited number of "floater dates" under certain conditions. Elections can be held in even or odd-numbered years. The four regular dates are:

* Fourth Tuesday in February.
* First Tuesday after the first Monday in May.
* First Tuesday after the first Monday in August.
* First Tuesday after the first Monday in November.[2]

### Needed majority[edit]

In Michigan, a simple majority is required to pass a school bond election.[1]

### Special elections[edit]

Michigan is one of two states that places heavy restrictions on school districts holding special elections. Under Michigan law, school districts can hold elections on the four allowed election dates during the year.[3]

However, a school district can hold a special election if a district needs to do emergency borrowing of money, increase a millage rate, or establish a bond. This can happen if a initiative petition is filed with the county election commission.[4] Michigan is a Initiative and Referendum state that allows this provision. The petition has to be signed by a number of qualified and registered voters in the district. This is equal to but not less than ten percent (10%) of the electors in the school district voting in the last gubernatorial election in that district or 3,000 signatures whichever number is lesser. The petition has to be filed with the county election commission by 4 p.m. on the twelfth Tuesday before the proposed date of the special election. The petition signatures shall be obtained within 60 days before the filing of the petition. Any signatures obtained more than 60 days before the filing of the petition are not valid.[4]

If a special election is called by the school district and is not scheduled to be held on the four regular election dates, the special election shall be held on a Tuesday. A special election called by a school district cannot be held within 30 days before or 35 days after any of the four regular election dates. A school district may only call one special election pursuant to this subsection in each calendar year.

School districts are required under law to reimburse the county election commission for all costs incurred.[5]

### Wording of measures[edit]

Michigan Law strictly explains how ballot questions are worded for elections involving school bonds.

Bonds

"Shall _________________________________________________, (here state the legal name of the school district) county/or counties of _________________ and state of Michigan, borrow the sum of not to exceed dollars ($___________________) and issue its bonds therefore, for the purpose of ___________________________?

* Yes _______
* No ________[6]

Sinking Fund Levy

"Shall _______________________________ levy ________ mills (legal name of school district) to create a sinking fund for the purpose of ____________________________________________________________________________________ for a period of _____ years?

* Yes _______
* No ________.[7]

## Required notice of bond election[edit]

### General elections[edit]

Under Michigan Law, for any of the normal allowable election dates for school districts a resolution must be passed seventy (70) days before election by the respective school board. All ballot questions must be submitted to the County Clerk no more than sixty-eight (68) days before the election.[8]

### Special elections[edit]

Under Michigan law, a minimum of 60 days notice is required for a special school bond election after a county clerk receives citizen petition signatures for a special election as long it is presented within the 60 day minimum.[9]

## List of 2010 school bond referendums[edit]

Date  | District  | Bond Amount  | Passed/Failed  | % Pass

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May 4 | Alanson-Prop 1 | Issue for $960,000 in bonding for partially remodeling, furnishing and refurnishing, equipping and re-equipping the Alanson Public School building; acquiring, installing and equipping technology; purchasing school buses; and developing and improving the site | Passed | 64.6% to 35.4%
February 23 | Atherton-Prop 1 | Issue $14.07 million in bonding for technology improvements for 1 elementary school, improve and remodel high school and middle school | Failed | 61.6% to 38.4%
May 4 | Bath-Prop 1 | Shall the limitation on the amount of taxes which may be assessed against all property in Bath Community Schools, Clinton and Shiawassee Counties, Michigan, be increased by and the board of education be authorized to levy 1 mill ($1.00 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for a period of 5 years, 2010 to 2014, inclusive, for sinking fund purposes to be used for the construction or repair of school buildings and sites (.9243 mill of the above is a renewal of millage for building and site sinking fund purposes which expired with the 2009 tax levy and .0757 mill is to restore millage for the same purpose lost as a result of the reduction required by the Michigan Constitution of 1963); the estimate of the revenue the school district will collect if the millage is approved and levied in 2010 is approximately $230,000? | Passed | 62% to 38%
February 23 | Belding-Prop 1 | Issue $38.8 million in bonding to erect, re-furnish, and re-model four school buildings including security, technology, athletic fields, and classroom/technology improvements | Passed | 65.9% to 34.1%
February 23 | Berkley-Prop 1 | Issue $167.665 million in bonding for a new middle school, re-model and re-equip facilities district-wide, and add new technology improvements | Failed | 69.4% to 30.6%
February 23 | Blissfield-Prop 1 | Issue $11.99 million in bonding to re-model, re-furnish, and re-quip school district buildings along with improving entry ways to the high school | Failed | 61.5% to 38.5%
May 4 | Calumet-Prop 1 | Issue $6.93 million in bonding for erecting, furnishing and equipping additions to and remodeling, refurnishing and re-equipping school district buildings, acquiring and installing educational technology improvements and developing and improving sites. | Passed | 78.5% to 21.5%
February 23 | Cassapolis-Prop 1 | Issue $16 million in bonding to erect, re-model, and re-equip the Sam Adams Elementary School along with all necessary technology improvements. | Passed | 58.6% to 41.4%
May 4 | Charlotte-Prop 1 | Issue $23.6 million in new bonding for remodeling, furnishing and refurnishing and equipping and re-equipping school buildings; erecting, furnishing and equipping an addition to a school building; acquiring, installing and equipping and re-equipping school buildings for technology; purchasing school buses; developing, improving and equipping and re-equipping playgrounds; and developing and improving sites. | Failed | 51.9% to 48.1%
February 23 | Chippewa Valley-Prop 1 | Issue $89.765 million in bonding to purchase school buses, remodeling and renovations to school facilities, and improving technology, playgrounds, and athletic fields. | Passed | 58.6% to 41.4%
May 4 | Colon-Prop 1 | Issue $25.7 million in bonding for erecting, furnishing and equipping additions to and remodeling, refurnishing and re-equipping the Colon school building; acquiring and installing educational technology system improvements; erecting, furnishing and equipping a community center building and bus garage, and developing and improving a playground and sites | Defeated | 57% to 42%
February 23 | Escanaba-Prop 1 | Issue $21.67 million in bonding to re-model and re-equip school facilities, add technology improvements, add athletic facilities, and an addition to two school sites | Passed | 52.5% to 47.5%
May 4 | Fitzgerald-Prop 1 | To approve a 5.25-mill levy for 25 years to fund construction, renovate of buildings and improve technology. | Failed | 75% to 25%
February 23 | Fruitport-Prop 1 | Issue $8.6 million in bonding for energy efficiency initiatives district-wide, purchase school buses, and improve technology. | Passed | 63.4% to 36.6%
February 23 | Grass Lake-Prop 1 | Issue $1.75 million for a new addition to the high school including erecting, re-furnishing, and re-equipping school district buildings. | Passed | 58.9% to 41.1%
February 23 | Hartland-Prop 1 | Issue $28.045 million in bonding for remodeling school facilities, technology improvements, purchase new school buses, and improve athletic fields. | Passed | 52.1% to 47.9%
May 4 | Holland-Prop 1 | Issue $60.865 million in bonding for Erecting, furnishing and equipping additions to and remodeling, refurnishing and reequipping school district buildings; acquiring and installing educational technology system improvements, purchasing school buses; and developing and improving playgrounds, playfields, athletic fields and facilities and sites. | Passed | 55% to 45%
May 4 | Holland-Prop 2 | Issue $12.385 million in bonding for erecting, furnishing and equipping additions to and remodeling, refurnishing and reequipping two former elementary buildings for new educational purposes, and remodeling, refurnishing and re-equipping K-7 buildings; acquiring and installing educational technology system improvements; and developing and improving sites. | Passed | 60% to 40%
May 4 | Huron-Prop 1 | Should the district borrow $9.82 million and issue unlimited tax general obligation to add 6 classrooms to Miller Elementary School and make other improvements at other schools? | Failed | 55% to 45%
May 4 | Inland Lakes-Prop 1 | Should the district issue $1.52 million in bonding for partially remodeling, furnishing and refurnishing, equipping and re-equipping the Middle School/High School, in part, for energy conservation and safety improvements; acquiring, installing and equipping instructional technology for the Middle School/High School; and developing and improving the site? | Failed | 64.6% to 35.4%
May 4 | Ishpeming-Prop 1 | Should the Ishpeming Schools borrow $11.2 million to expand and equip Birchview and close Phelps Schools? | Defeated | 56.6% to 43.4%
May 4 | Kenowa Hills-Prop 1 | Issue $14.325 million in bonding for erecting, furnishing and equipping additions to and remodeling, refurnishing and re-equipping school district buildings; acquiring and installing educational technology system improvements and purchasing school buses; and developing and improving playgrounds, play fields, athletic fields and facilities and sites. | Passed | 55% to 45%
May 4 | Lincoln-Prop 1 | Issue $35 million in bonding for constructing, furnishing and equipping additions to, including a performing arts center addition, and remodeling, refurnishing and re-equipping school facilities; acquiring and installing educational technology improvements; purchasing school buses; and developing and improving athletic fields, play fields, playgrounds and sites. | Passed | 55% to 44%
May 4 | Marshall-Prop 2 | Shall Marshall Public Schools, Calhoun County, Michigan, borrow the sum of not to exceed Twenty-Four Million Eight Hundred Forty-Five Thousand Dollars ($24,845,000) and issue its general obligation unlimited tax bonds therefore, for the purpose of partially remodeling, furnishing and refurnishing, equipping and re-equipping school facilities; constructing, furnishing and equipping an addition to Gordon Elementary School; acquiring, installing and equipping educational technology for school facilities; constructing, equipping, developing and improving outdoor athletic/physical education facilities, play fields and playgrounds; and acquiring, developing and improving sites? | Passed | 59.7% to 41.3%
May 4 | Marshall-Prop 3 | Shall Marshall Public Schools, Calhoun County, Michigan, borrow the sum of not to exceed Eight Million Nine Hundred Twenty Thousand Dollars ($8,920,000) and issue its general obligation unlimited tax bonds therefore, for the purpose of erecting, furnishing and equipping a new auditorium for the high school; and developing and improving the site? | Passed | 52% to 47%
May 4 | Mt. Clemens-Prop 1 | Should Mt. Clemens Community Schools continue to levy the statutory rate of 18 mills? | Passed | 60% to 40%
February 23 | Pinckney-Prop 1 | Issue $59.465 million in bonding for re-modeling and re-furnishing facilities district-wide, and build new sites for school district purposes | Passed | 51.4% to 48.6%
May 4 | Quincy-Prop 1 | Issue $1.995 million in new bonding for partially remodeling, furnishing and refurnishing, equipping and re-equipping school facilities; acquiring, installing and equipping, instructional technology for school facilities; and developing and improving sites. | Failed | 58% to 42%
May 4 | St. John's-Prop 1 | Shall St. Johns Public Schools, Clinton and Gratiot Counties, Michigan, borrow the sum of not to exceed Sixty-Four Million Three Hundred Twenty-Five Thousand Dollars ($64,325,000) and issue its general obligation unlimited tax bonds therefore, for the purpose of erecting, furnishing and equipping additions to the high school; acquiring and installing educational technology in school buildings; remodeling, furnishing and refurnishing and equipping and re-equipping school facilities; purchasing school buses; erecting athletic facilities; and developing and improving athletic facilities, athletic fields and sites? | Passed | 53.7 to 46.3%
May 4 | St. Joseph-Prop 1 | Issue $38 million in new bonding for erecting, equipping and furnishing additions to and remodeling, equipping and reequipping, and furnishing and refurnishing school buildings; acquiring, installing and equipping and re-equipping school buildings for technology; and preparing, developing and improving sites | Passed | 55.8% to 44.2%
February 23 | Tahquamenon-Prop 1 | Issue $5.225 million in bonding for energy efficiency, technology, and purchasing school buses. | Passed | 63.2% to 36.8%
May 4 | Zeeland-Prop 1 | Issue $20.275 million in bonding for erecting, furnishing and equipping a new elementary school and additions to school buildings; partially remodeling, refurnishing and re-equipping school district buildings and installing educational technology system improvements; purchasing school buses; and developing and improving playgrounds, play fields and sites. | Passed | 57% to 43%

## List of historical bond referendums[edit]

### 2009[edit]

The following are school bond referendums that were held during 2009 in Michigan. All results are provided by the Michigan State Treasurer's Office bond database. In 2009, 48 referendums were placed on the ballot resulting in 33 passed and 15 failed resulting in a pass rate of 68.8%.

Date  | District  | Bond Amount  | Passed/Failed  | % Pass

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November 3 | Breckenridge Prop 1 | Issue $1.3 million in bonding for remodeling school buildings and developing and improving sites. | Passed | 72% to 28%
February 24 | Bridgman Prop 1 | Issue $22 million in bonding for acquiring, installing and equipping instructional technology for school facilities; equipping and re-equipping, furnishing and refurnishing and partially remodeling school facilities; purchasing school buses; constructing, equipping, developing and improving athletic/physical education facilities and play fields; and developing and improving sites. | Failed | 50.05% to 49.95%
November 3 | Bridgman Prop 1 | Issue $22 million in bonding for acquiring, installing and equipping instructional technology for school facilities; equipping and re-equipping, furnishing and refurnishing and partially remodeling school facilities; purchasing school buses; constructing, equipping, developing and improving athletic/physical education facilities and play fields; and developing and improving sites. | Passed | 55.2% to 44.8%
May 5 | Bullock Creek Prop 1 | Issue $8.67 million in bonding for partially remodeling, refurnishing and re equipping school buildings; acquiring and installing educational technology improvements; purchasing school buses; and developing and improving the tennis courts and sites. | Passed | 94% to 6%
May 5 | Cadillac Prop 1 | Issue $8.225 million in bonding for remodeling, equipping and re-equipping school buildings; acquiring, installing and equipping school buildings for technology; purchasing school buses; remodeling and improving an athletic facility and a playground; and developing and improving sites. | Passed | 70% to 30%
May 5 | Chelsea Prop 1 | Issue $18.72 million in bonding for erecting, furnishing and equipping additions to and partially remodeling, furnishing and refurnishing, equipping and re-equipping school facilities; acquiring, installing and equipping educational technology for school facilities; purchasing school buses; constructing, equipping, developing and improving physical education/athletic facilities, play fields, and playgrounds; erecting storage buildings; and developing and improving sites | Passed | 58.7% to 41.3%
November 3 | Colon Prop 1 | Issue $23.105 million in bonding for erecting, furnishing and equipping additions to and remodeling, refurnishing and re-equipping the middle/high school to accommodate a pre K-12 program; acquiring and installing educational technology improvements and developing and improving playgrounds and the site. | Failed | 57.4% to 42.6%
May 5 | Croswell-Lexington Prop 1 | Issue $15.40 million in bonding for erecting, furnishing and equipping additions to and remodeling, furnishing and refurnishing, equipping and re-equipping school buildings; constructing, equipping, developing and improving athletic and physical education facilities; and developing and improving sites | Passed | 70.7% to 29.3%
November 3 | DeWitt Prop 1 | Issue $10.43 million in bonding for constructing, furnishing and equipping additions to and remodeling, furnishing and refurnishing and equipping and re-equipping school facilities; acquiring and installing educational technology improvements to school buildings; constructing, furnishing and equipping a new team room building at the High School athletic stadium; developing, improving, equipping and re-equipping athletic facilities and play fields; and developing and improving school facility sites. | Passed | 63.4% to 36.6%
May 5 | East Detroit Prop 1 (Metro Detroit) | Issue $23.055 million for remodeling, re-equipping, and re-furnishing school buildings, playgrounds and other facilities; preparing, developing and improving sites at school buildings, playgrounds and other facilities; acquiring, installing, equipping and re-equipping school buildings and other facilities for technology systems and equipment and purchasing school buses. | Passed | 51.2% to 48.8%
May 5 | East Jackson Prop 1 | Issue $995,000 in bonding for partially remodeling school buildings; acquiring and installing educational technology improvements; and purchasing and equipping school buses. | Passed | 57.3% to 42.7%
November 3 | Decatur Prop 1 | Issue $12.050 million in bonding for partially remodeling, furnishing and refurnishing, equipping and re-equipping school facilities, acquiring, installing and equipping technology for instructional purposes; constructing, equipping, developing and improving athletic facilities, play fields and playgrounds; and developing and improving sites. | Passed | 71% to 29%
November 3 | Detroit-City Prop 1 | Issue $500.54 million in bonding for constructing new replacement buildings and/or additions to existing buildings; remodeling existing buildings, including energy conservation, safety and security improvements; acquiring, improving and developing sites, including playgrounds, playfields and outdoor athletic facilities in the school district; furnishing, refurnishing, equipping and re-equipping school buildings; and, acquiring and installing instructional technology equipment in and connecting school district buildings. | Passed | 60.5% to 39.5%
May 5 | Fremont Prop 1 | Issue $39.9 million in bonding for erecting, equipping and furnishing a new high school building and other facilities at the site for the new high school building; acquiring, preparing, developing and improving a site for a new high school building and other facilities; and acquiring and installing technology and technology equipment at a new high school building. | Passed | 51.3% to 48.7%
May 5 | Fremont Prop 2 | Issue $3.975 million in bonding for acquiring and installing technology and technology equipment in school buildings, including related infrastructure improvements. | Passed | 56.1% to 43.9%
May 5 | Fruitport Prop 1-(Muskegon Area) | Issue $83 million in bonding for erecting, furnishing and equipping a new high school; partially remodeling, furnishing, and refurnishing, equipping and re-equipping school facilities, in part, to convert the existing high school to an intermediate/middle school and the existing middle school to an elementary school; acquiring, installing and equipping, educational technology for existing school facilities and the new high school; constructing, equipping, developing and improving play and practice fields and related facilities and playgrounds; and developing and improving the site. | Failed | 79.6% to 20.4%
May 5 | Grand Haven Prop 1 | Issue $13.180 million in bonding for acquiring and installing technology infrastructure and equipment in School District buildings; remodeling, furnishing, refurnishing, equipping and reequipping Lake Shore Middle School and Grand Haven High School, including boiler replacement, building entrances, offices, safety and security improvements, window and door replacement, energy conservation improvements including geothermal technology, lighting, and site improvements; roof replacements and improvements for School District buildings; and purchasing school buses. | Passed | 56.3% to 43.7%
May 5 | Grand Haven Prop 2 | Issue $16.280 million in bonding for remodeling, furnishing, refurnishing, equipping and reequipping School District buildings, including boiler replacement, window and door replacement, energy conservation improvements, lighting and site improvements. | Passed | 52.1% to 47.9%
February 24 | Godfrey-Lee Prop 1 | Issue $875,000 in bonding for constructing, furnishing and equipping a new 5th and 6th grade building; acquiring, installing and equipping technology for the building and developing and improving the site. | Passed | 57.6% to 42.4%
November 3 | Hamilton Prop 1 | Issue $18.490 million in bonding for erecting, furnishing and equipping additions to and partially remodeling, refurnishing and equipping school district buildings; acquiring and installing educational technology improvements and energy conservation improvements; purchasing school buses and acquiring, developing and improving playgrounds, athletic fields, facilities and sites. | Passed | 55.2% to 44.8%
November 3 | Huron Valley Prop 1-(Metro Detroit) | Issue $13.5 million in bonding for acquiring and installing educational technology improvements and related infrastructure, furnishings and equipment; and acquiring school buses. | Passed | 57.6% to 42.4%
May 5 | Ironwood Prop 1 | Issue $6.87 million in bonding for erecting, furnishing and equipping an addition to the high school building; partially remodeling, refurnishing and re-equipping school buildings; acquiring and installing educational technology improvements; purchasing school buses; and developing and improving playgrounds, play fields, athletic facilities and sites. | Passed | 55.1% to 44.9%
November 3 | Jackson Prop 1 | Issue $16.640 million in bonding for defraying the cost of constructing additions to and remodeling, equipping, furnishing, reequipping and refurnishing existing School District buildings; acquiring and installing technology infrastructure and equipment in School District buildings; and improving and developing sites, including outdoor athletic fields, facilities and structures in the School District and acquiring school buses. | Passed | 50.9% to 49.1%
February 24 | Manchester Prop 1 | Issue $2.58 million in bonding for partially remodeling, furnishing and refurnishing, equipping and re-equipping school facilities; acquiring, installing and equipping technology for school facilities; purchasing school buses; and developing and improving sites. | Passed | 56.5% to 43.5%
May 5 | Martin Prop 1 | Issue $3.5 million in bonding for erecting an addition to and partially remodeling, furnishing and refurnishing and equipping and re-equipping a school building; acquiring installing and equipping technology for school facilities; purchasing school buses; constructing, equipping, developing and improving athletic facilities, play fields and playgrounds; and developing and improving parking areas and sites. | Passed | 65.2% to 34.8%
February 24 | Milan Prop 1 | Issue $49.165 million in bonding for remodeling, refurnishing and re-equipping existing school buildings; erecting, furnishing and equipping additions to school buildings; constructing a new transportation building; acquiring and installing education technology improvements; purchasing school buses and developing and improving playgrounds, athletic fields and facilities and sites | Passed | 56.9% to 43.1%
May 5 | Montague Prop 1-(Muskegon Area) | Issue $19.745 million for acquiring, installing and equipping technology for school buildings; erecting, furnishing and equipping transportation and operations facilities; purchasing school buses; erecting furnishing and equipping an addition to and remodeling, furnishing and refurnishing, equipping and re-equipping school buildings; erecting, furnishing and equipping a new childhood center; constructing, equipping, developing and improving parking lots, playgrounds and a play field; and developing and improving sites. | Passed | 56.6% to 43.4%
May 5 | Montague Prop 2-(Muskegon Area) | Issue $1.275 million for constructing, remodeling, equipping and re-equipping, developing and improving athletic fields and facilities; and developing and improving the site. | Failed | 62.3% to 37.7%
May 5 | Morrice Prop 1 | Issue in $2.295 million in bonding for constructing, equipping, developing and improving athletic fields and facilities; Erecting and equipping an addition to the bus garage facility; and developing and improving sites. | Failed | 53.4% to 46.6%
May 5 | Muskegon City Prop 1-(Muskegon Area) | Issue $12.5 million in bonding for remodeling, equipping and re-equipping and furnishing and re-furnishing school buildings; acquiring, installing and equipping technology for school buildings; purchasing school buses; constructing, remodeling and improving athletic facilities; and developing and improving a site. | Passed | 70.5% to 29.5%
November 3 | North Muskegon Prop 1-(Muskegon Area) | Issue in $1.7 million in bonding for acquiring and installing educational technology improvements, infrastructure, furnishings and equipment; and acquiring school buses. | Failed | 51% to 49%
February 24 | Ontagaaon Prop 1 | Issue $872,000 in bonding for remodeling, equipping and re-equipping the middle/high school and vocational education building; and developing and improving the site. | Passed | 72.2% to 27.8%
February 24 | Ontagaaon Prop 2 | Issue $302,000 in bonding for remodeling, equipping and re-equipping the middle/high school and vocational education buildings; acquiring and installing educational technology improvements at the middle/high school; and developing and improving the site. | Passed | 60.9% to 39.1%
February 24 | Ontagaaon Prop 3 | Issue $531,000 in bonding for remodeling and re-equipping the middle/high school building. | Passed | 54.6% to 45.4%
February 24 | Oxford Prop 1-(Metro Detroit) | Issue $70.135 million in bonding for erecting, furnishing and equipping additions to and remodeling, furnishing and refurnish, equipping and re-equipping school buildings; acquiring, installing and equipping school buildings for technology; purchasing school buses; constructing, equipping, developing and improving athletic and physical education facilities, play fields and playgrounds; and acquiring, developing and improving sites. | Failed | 53.5% to 46.5%
November 3 | Oxford Prop 1-(Metro Detroit) | Issue $32.735 million in bonding for erecting, furnishing and equipping additions to and remodeling, furnishing and refurnishing, equipping and re-equipping school buildings, acquiring, installing and equipping and re-equipping school buildings for technology; constructing, equipping, developing and improving athletic facilities, a playfield and playgrounds; and acquiring, developing and improving sites. | Passed | 50.4% to 49.6%
November 3 | Oxford Prop 2-(Metro Detroit) | Issue $635,000 in bonding for constructing a synthetic turf athletic field; constructing, equipping and furnishing a storage building at the high school athletic field; and developing and improving the site. | Failed | 61.4% to 38.6%
May 5 | Redford Union Prop 1-(Metro Detroit) | Issue $12.53 million in bonding for partially remodeling, furnishing and refurnishing, equipping and re-equipping school facilities, in part, for energy conservation improvements; and developing and improving sites. | Passed | 51.2% to 48.8%
May 5 | Reeths-Puffer Prop 1-(Muskegon Area) | Issue $23.690 million in bonding for partially remodeling, furnishing and refurnishing, equipping and re-equipping school facilities; acquiring, installing and equipping instructional technology for school facilities; erecting, furnishing and equipping additions to the middle school, in part, to enclose courtyards for a new commons area; constructing, equipping, developing and improving athletic facilities, play fields and playgrounds; acquiring school buses; and developing and improving sites. | Failed | 50.06% to 49.94%
November 3 | Reeths-Puffer Prop 1-(Muskegon Area) | Issue $21.980 million in bonding for Partially remodeling, furnishing and refurnishing, equipping and re-equipping school facilities; acquiring, installing and equipping instructional technology for school facilities; erecting, furnishing and equipping additions to the middle school; constructing, equipping, developing and improving athletic facilities, play fields and playgrounds; purchasing school buses; and developing and improving sites. | Passed | 58.2% to 41.8%
November 3 | Reeths-Puffer Prop 2-(Muskegon Area) | Issue $1.71 million in bonding for installing new synthetic turf surfaces to replace existing natural turf fields and developing and improving sites. | Failed | 56.2% to 43.8%
November 3 | River Rouge Prop 1-(Metro Detroit) | Issue $795,000 in bonding for remodeling and replacing the Sabbath Elementary heating and ventilating systems, including related electrical and roofing modifications. | Failed | 57% to 43%
November 3 | Pinckey Prop 1 | Issue $59.465 million in bonding for acquiring, installing and equipping technology for school facilities; constructing, equipping, developing and improving outdoor athletic and physical education facilities, play fields, playgrounds and storage sheds; partially remodeling, furnishing and refurnishing, equipping and re-equipping school facilities; erecting, furnishing and equipping additions to Pathfinder Middle School, in part, to connect to Navigator Elementary School for a performing and visual arts wing; erecting, furnishing and equipping a facility for building and grounds and transportation; and acquiring, developing and improving sites. | Failed | 52% to 47%
May 5 | St. John's Prop 1 | Issue $73.975 million in bonding for erecting, furnishing and equipping additions to and remodeling, furnishing and refurnishing and equipping and re-equipping school buildings; acquiring and installing educational technology improvements to school buildings; purchasing school buses; acquiring land; erecting, furnishing and equipping a new elementary school; erecting, furnishing and equipping athletic facilities and developing and improving athletic fields, play fields and sites. | Failed | 54.4% to 45.6%
May 5 | Tri-County Prop 1 | Issue $12.060 million in bonding for constructing, furnishing and equipping additions to and remodeling, refurnishing and re-equipping school buildings; acquiring and installing educational technology improvements in school buildings; acquiring land adjacent to the high school/middle school site; and developing and improving athletic fields and sites | Failed | 60.6% to 39.4%
May 5 | Utica Prop 1 (Metro Detroit) | Issue $112.5 million in bonding for Acquiring and installing technology infrastructure and equipment in and for the purpose of connecting all school district buildings; remodeling and/or constructing additions primarily to expand spaces at existing secondary schools, including media centers and gymnasiums; equipping, furnishing, re-equipping and/or refurnishing school district buildings, and acquiring school buses; improving and developing sites, including playgrounds and outdoor athletic facilities, in the school district; and remodeling existing school district buildings, including security, mechanical and other infrastructure improvements. | Passed | 50.06% to 49.94%
November 3 | Warren Prop 1 (Metro Detroit) | Issue $65.075 million in bonding for replacing roofs on school buildings; remodeling, re-equipping, re-furnishing school buildings and other facilities; erecting, equipping and furnishing additions to school buildings; preparing, developing and improving sites at school buildings, playgrounds and other facilities; and equipping and re-equipping school buildings and other facilities for technology systems and equipment and purchasing school buses. | Passed | 55% to 45%
May 5 | Whitehall Prop 1-(Muskegon Area) | Issue $22.08 million in bonding for acquiring, installing and equipping technology for school buildings; remodeling, furnishing and refurnishing and equipping and re-equipping school buildings; erecting, furnishing and equipping an addition to a school building; purchasing school buses; constructing, developing and improving athletic and physical education facilities, play fields and playgrounds; and acquiring, developing and improving sites. | Failed | 64.7% to 35.3%

### 2008[edit]

Nine school districts campaigned for approval of new bond indebtedness for the election that took place on Tuesday, August 5, 2008. Five of the measures failed, and four passed.

School district  | Amount requested  | Outcome

|
|

Forest Park school bond election, 2008 | $775,000 | a
Houghton-Portage schools bond election, 2008 | $12.3 million | a
Lake Shore Public Schools (Macomb) bond election, 2008 | $9.7 million | a
Lakeview School District bond election, 2008 | $55.46 million | d
Marshall Public Schools bond election, 2008 | $35.34 million | d
Martin Public Schools bond election, 2008 | $16 million | d
River Valley schools bond election, 2008 | $17 million | d
Ubly Community Schools bond election, 2008 | $2.02 million | a
Yale Public Schools bond election, 2008 | $11.085 million | d

### May 6 election[edit]

Thirty (30) school districts held bond elections on May 6, 2008. Of these, eighteen (18) were successful, with twelve failing.

### January 15 election[edit]

Three (3) school districts held bond elections on January 15, 2008. Of these, one passed and two failed.

## See also[edit]

| Suggest a link

|

* Voting on school bond and tax measures
* Where to find information about local school bond and tax elections
* School bond election
* Approval rates of local school bond and tax elections

## External links[edit]

* Michigan Department of Education
* Michigan Association of School Boards
* State of Michigan school bond qualification process overview
* Michigan school bond elections, 2009
* Michigan school bond elections, 2008
* Michigan school bond elections, 2007
* Michigan school bond elections, 2006
* School bond information for earlier years

## Footnotes[edit]

1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 "Michigan.gov" Michigan School Bond Qualification Process(See Pages 1-4)
2. ↑ "Justia" Michigan Election Law(Referenced Statute 168.641 Michigan Compiled Statutes)
3. ↑ "Justia" Michigan School Bond Law(Referenced Statute 168.635 Michigan Compiled Statutes)
4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 "Justia" Michigan Election Law(Referenced Statute 168.641, Sec. 4)
5. ↑ "Justia" Michigan Election Law(Referenced Statute 168.647 Michigan Compiled Statutes)
6. ↑ "Michigan Legislature" Michigan School Bond Law(Referenced Statute 380.1361 Michigan Statutes)
7. ↑ "Michigan Legislature" Michigan School Bond Law(Referenced Statute 380.1212, Arts (1), (2), and (3) Michigan Statutes)
8. ↑ "Michigan Legislature" Michigan Election Law(Referenced Statute 168.312, (1) Michigan Statutes)
9. ↑ "Michigan Legislature" Michigan Election Law(Referenced Statute 168.641, (4) Michigan Statutes)

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