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Welcome to the Perry Public School Bond Information Page

What does the proposed project include?

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Introduction:Perry Public Schools is a school community dedicated to educational excellence. As we continue to strive to provide the most effective teaching and learning environment so our students are prepared for their futures, the Board of Education is asking the community to consider a bond proposal on the election ballot Tuesday, November 2, 2021, for district-wide improvements to address critical needs as well as ongoing educational priorities.

If approved by voters, this bond proposal would generate $9,850,000 with no mill increase to property owners. These dollars will be used to address facility and site issues as well as provide increased educational opportunities in a variety of student programs.

What are the projects in this bond proposal?

• Addressing building and grounds needs
• Improving athletics, art, agricultural science, music, and Esports programs
• Updating educational technology

1. What is a bond proposal and how can funds from a bond be spent? A bond proposal allows public schools to ask its community for authorization to borrow money to pay for capital expenditures. Voter-approved bond funds can be spent on new construction, additions, remodeling, site improvements, athletic facilities, playgrounds, buses, furnishings, equipment, and other capital needs. Funds raised through the sale of bonds cannot be used on operational expenses such as employee salaries and benefits, school supplies, or textbooks. Bond funds must be kept separate from operating funds and must be audited by an independent auditing firm.
2. How would the bond proposal impact my property taxes?If approved by voters, the millage rate will remain the same as the current levy of 7.6. This is called a zero-mill increase, since the mills will not increase.
3. We already have a sinking fund in place. Why would we need a bond?The Sinking Fund passed by voters in 2018. The sinking fund is paid over the course of each year, generating around $250,000/year, for 7 years. While a bond is paid out all at once, a sinking fund builds over time, and is meant for repairs and replacement of items long-term within the district that are more permanent in nature (if you can shake the building and it doesn’t fall out, you can probably use sinking funds to replace it-such as pavement, concrete, boilers, bolted-in playground equipment, etc.). The challenge with a sinking fund is it is more challenging to replace bigger-ticket items, because you likely have to “save up” over multiple years.
4. Some of the approved bond projects were originally on the sinking fund list-why have they moved?A number of big-ticket items were planned to be left until the end of the sinking fund timeline. The cost of these projects, and the timing of the projects, make some of them difficult to truly use sinking fund dollars to replace. For example, the track resurface project had no date set, leaving it to the end. This is a big-ticket item, and in immediate need. We are worried that if we wait until 2025, or even 2026, the track may need more repair than a resurface can provide, significantly raising the cost of the project. In addition, football field lighting was set for 2025. When we do this, it frees up sinking funds for replacement of items as needed. The repaving of the main parking lot is another example. The Board of Education decided, upon consultation with other stakeholders, to move some of the longer-range, more expensive projects, to the bond list so that we could get them completed earlier and free up the sinking fund money for additional needs.
5. Why a bond proposal now?There are a number of critical needs that cannot be met with the current operational funds and the sinking funds. The District has engaged in as much preventative maintenance as possible, and has reached a point where items such as roofs, pavement, boilers, and more can no longer be repaired and should be replaced. A facilities audit identified specific systems that have exceeded their life expectancy-roofing, flooring, mechanical systems, etc. If the bond proposal is approved, the District will move forward with replacement of identified systems in order to extend the useful life of our buildings.
6. Would the approval of the bond proposal have any impact on our current operational budget?The funding of this bond proposal will be kept independent of the operational budget. However, the bond will create a positive impact on the district’s general fund because it allows the District to reallocate operating funds that are currently used repairing aging roofs, mechanical systems and technology. The operational savings generated from new and cost-efficient facility upgrades will be redirected to support student programs and resources.
7. What are the benefits to area townships in the school district?Great communities and great schools are one in the same. By taking advantage of continued investment in our schools, all of our communities are positively affected. Facility upgrades will increase enrollment and increase the property values within the Perry Public Schools District. Many of the proposed improvements are preventative in nature, and extend out the life of the facilities.
8. What are the benefits to our community in passing this bond proposal?The community already invests in their school buildings annually. It is vital that we continue to support preventative maintenance measures to keep our students safe, comfortable, and socially supported within their learning community. Moreover, benefits include increased property values, the local economy from enrollment, and the pride in our community. Quality schools absolutely affect the quality of life for all of our citizens.
9. If the bond passes, when will work begin?Work would begin the 2022-2023 school year.
10. Why not use the district's operating budget to fund the needs listed in the proposal?The priorities of the operating budget are educational in focus. The focus will always be on students and staff and all of the operating needs to promote education. The State of Michigan does not provide infrastructure funding. The facility needs are too many, and are significant enough in cost that we would not be able to cover the cost of the projects. We have used a combination of general and sinking funds to maintain our facilities over the past few years.
11. How would I know the bond funds would be spent the way they are supposed to be spent?Michigan law requires that expenditure of bond proceeds be audited, and the proceeds cannot be used for repair or maintenance costs, teacher, administrator or employee salaries, or other operating expenses. Bond proceeds also cannot be used for general operating expenses or classroom textbooks.
12. When will the millage for this proposal first be levied? On the summer property tax bill.
13. Would money from the bond proposal be used to pay teachers’ salaries and benefits? No. School districts are not allowed to use funds from a bond operating expense such as teacher, administrator or employee salaries, routine maintenance, or operating costs. Bond revenue must be kept separate from operating funds and expenditures must be audited by an independent auditing firm.
14. If I rent a house or an apartment, can I vote?Yes, if you rent a house or apartment you can still vote. You must be a registered voter in the city or township you are living in and live within the District boundaries.
15. Where can I find information specific to voting within the Perry Public Schools District? You can find information here about voting as a Perry Public Schools Community Member based on where you live within the school community.
16. How do I register to vote?Visit the Michigan Voter Registration Center to register to vote online. It is recommended by the Secretary of State to register by mail by October 18, 2021 to participate in the November 2, 2021 election. Individuals may also register in-person at their local clerk’s office through November 2, 2021 with the required documentation. For assistance in obtaining the address of your clerk, please visit the Michigan Voter Registration Center at https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us/
17. How is an absentee voter ballot obtained? Registered voters must complete and submit the application to receive their absentee voter ballot. To vote by mail, fill out the application and sign it, and then return it to your local clerk. For assistance in obtaining the address of your local clerk, visit the Michigan Voter Registration Center. When filling out the application, if you check the box to be added to the permanent absentee voter list, you will get an application mailed to you before every election.
18. What are the key dates leading up to the Tuesday, November 2, 2021 election day?

Registering to vote

• The last day for voters to register by mail is October 18, 2021
• Voters may register in-person through November 2, 2021 (election day) with required documentation

Absentee Voting

• Absentee voter ballots are available from September 18, 2021 until November 2, 2021
• Contact your local clerk with questions

Attend a public information community forum

• The first public forum will be held Monday, September 27, 2021 at 5:30 pm in the boardroom at the Administration Building
• A second public forum will be held on Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at 6:00 pm in the boardroom at the Administration Building

Where and when will the vote occur?Tuesday, November 2, 2021 is election day, but absentee voting can occur leading up to that date. All registered voters may cast an absentee ballot by mail. Voters may also cast a ballot at the polling location established by their city or township. If you have questions or do not know where you vote, please contact your city or township office. Polls will be open from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm on Tuesday, November 2, 2021.

Additional Questions?Please contact Dr. Lori Haven, Superintendent, at havenl@perry.k12.mi.us or at 517-625-0100.