What is a bond proposal?

A bond is a state-approved borrowing process for a set scope of projects. When voters approve a bond proposal, the school district sells bonds in the authorized amount and uses the proceeds of the sale to pay for those projects in the bond proposal.

 

In many ways, the bonding process is like a homeowner obtaining a mortgage and making payments over a period of years.

 

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How were the bond proposal projects developed?

Coldwater Community Schools is committed to a process for ongoing evaluation and monitoring of all school facilities. Continually evaluating and monitoring school facilities helps to protect the community’s investment in its schools.

 

Working with construction, technology, and architectural specialists, the school district completed an in-depth facility study in the fall of 2020. The study identified all facility needs. Students, staff, parents, and community members then reviewed the final list of facility projects to be completed through a series of presentations conducted during spring of 2021.

 

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How would the bond proposal affect my taxes?               

If approved, Proposal 1 would allow the district to issue a new bond and raise approximately $53 million with a 0-mill net increase. We expect to continue at the current millage rate. These projects will help to bring needed upgrades: a full remodel and new two-story addition to our High School including a new main entry, dedicated STEM learning space, multipurpose athletic space, and reconfiguration of the pickup / drop off loop. It would also include air-conditioning throughout the building.  

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Can any of the bond proposal funds be used for employee salaries or operating expenses?

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.

 

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Who can vote in this bond proposal election?

Residents of the Coldwater Community Schools district who will be 18 years of age or older on Election Day and are registered to vote.

 

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Where can I get information about voting (such as how to register, where to vote, and absentee voting)?

Go to the Michigan Voter Information website www.michigan.gov/vote or call the Clerk’s Office where you reside.

 

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Do I need to update my voter registration?

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 at the Clerk’s Office where you reside. 

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Can I vote by absentee ballot?

Yes. Since voter approval of Proposal 3 in November 2018, registered voters do not need a reason to vote by absentee ballot. You can request an absentee ballot application from your Clerk’s Office or by going online to www.michigan.gov/vote and clicking on Absentee Voting in the left column.

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Absentee ballots should be available to voters after March 24 and may be cast through Election Day.

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Why are we not building a new high school?

While a new high school would address many of the district needs, a significant addition and renovation is a more fiscally responsible opportunity for taxpayers. The updates would preserve some character of the existing high school while removing older, poorly functioning areas and replacing with a new two-story addition for academics.  

 

Our architectural, engineering, and construction managers are experienced with transformational projects of this scale. View an example at: https://bit.ly/2Y9AAYo.

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