What does it cost me?

• These improvements will not increase the tax rate. Since the tax rate will stay at 2.22 mills, this is an anticipated ZERO mill increase.

Why now?

• Because the previous debt is being paid off, this is a perfect opportunity to provide many needed improvements to continue maintaining our facilities for our students and keep our excellent schools. This can be achieved by keeping the tax rate the same.

Why do we need the bond?

• The zero-mill-increase bond proposal on the May 2026 ballot would authorize Bay City Public Schools to fund improvements to existing school buildings and infrastructure. The proposal includes updates to facility security measures, classroom modernizations, and building systems. If approved, these funds would be used to address specific facility needs identified in the district’s long-term capital improvement plan. The proposal is designed to maintain property value and infrastructure without increasing the current tax rate for residents.

If passed, the following buildings will receive upgrades:

• Auburn Elementary
• Central High School
• Hampton Elementary
• Handy Middle School
• Kolb Elementary
• Lindsay Childcare Center
• MacGregor Elementary
• Mackensen Elementary
• McAlear-Sawden Elementary
• Transportation Building
• Washington Elementary
• Webster Childcare Center
• Western High School
• Western Middle School

Security Improvements

• Enhanced Building Access: Installing modern door access controls to better monitor and manage building entry.
• Advanced Lockdown Systems: Implementing integrated emergency lockdown technologies for rapid response.
• Expanded Surveillance: Adding high-definition security cameras to improve campus-wide monitoring.
• Modern Mass Notification: Upgrading communication systems to ensure clear, instant alerts during emergencies.
• Fire Safety Upgrades: Update fire detection and select suppression systems.

Facility & Infrastructure Improvements

• Roofing Replacements: Replacing remaining aging roofs with modern, energy-efficient, and weather-resistant solutions.
• HVAC & Climate Control: Upgrading select heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems to improve air quality and energy efficiency.
• Structural Integrity Updates: Performing updates to foundations, tunnels, walkways, and masonry to extend the life of our buildings.
• Pavement & Site Drainage: Improving parking lots and installing advanced sump systems and drainage to prevent water damage and improve safety.
• Hazardous Material Mitigation: Ensuring a healthy environment through the professional abatement and remediation of legacy building materials.
• Energy-Efficient Lighting: Transitioning to LED lighting in select areas to reduce utility costs and improve visibility.

Enhanced Learning & Community Spaces

• Classroom & Interior Refresh: Remodeling select interior spaces with new flooring and modern finishes.
• Student Technology: Continuing to integrate helpful technologies that support the classroom experience.
• ADA Accessibility: Improving facilities to be more inclusive and accessible.
• Wayfinding & Signage: Adding clear, professional directional signage to improve navigation for visitors and students.
• Cafeteria Upgrades: Modernizing select dining areas to create more functional and inviting spaces for students.

Athletics & Site Improvements

• Athletic Facility Upgrades: Upgrading athletic structures to improve the fan and student experience.
• Field Drainage & Irrigation: Reconfiguring natural grass fields with professional grading and irrigation to ensure playable, high-quality surfaces.

The estimated millage that will be levied for the proposed bonds in 2027 is 0.43 mill ($0.43 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for a 0.00 mill net increase over the prior year’s levy. The maximum number of years the bonds may be outstanding, exclusive of any refunding, is twenty-five (25) years. The estimated simple average annual millage anticipated to be required to retire this bond debt is 1.12 mills ($1.12 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation). The school district does not expect to borrow from the State to pay debt service on the bonds. The total amount of qualified bonds currently outstanding is $33,040,000. The total amount of qualified loans currently outstanding is $0. The estimated computed millage rate may change based on changes in certain circumstances. (Pursuant to State law, expenditure of bond proceeds must be audited and the proceeds cannot be used for repair or maintenance costs, teacher, administrator or employee salaries, or other operating expenses.)

Summary of language - SCHOOL DISTRICT OF THE CITY OF BAY CITY GENERAL OBLIGATION UNLIMITED TAX BOND PROPOSAL FOR BUILDING AND SITE PURPOSES IN THE AMOUNT OF NOT TO EXCEED $72,080,000

Shall the School District of the City of Bay City, Bay and Saginaw Counties, Michigan, borrow the sum of not to exceed Seventy-Two Million Eighty Thousand Dollars ($72,080,000) and issue its general obligation unlimited tax bonds therefor, in one or more series, for the purpose of:

erecting, furnishing, and equipping additions to school buildings; remodeling, furnishing and refurnishing, and equipping and re-equipping school buildings, including asbestos abatement and HVAC and school safety and security improvements; acquiring and installing instructional technology; erecting, equipping, preparing, developing, and improving natural grass athletic fields and athletic facilities, playgrounds, and sites; and purchasing school buses?

Voters living in the Bay City Public Schools district will have the opportunity to consider a bond proposal on the May 5, 2026, ballot that, if approved, would result in district-wide improvements with an anticipated ZERO TAX-RATE INCREASE over the prior year’s levy.

The proposal comes as a result of in-depth evaluations to create a long-term plan that addresses current and future district goals.

The May 5, 2026, ballot will be asking voters to consider a general obligation unlimited tax bond proposal in an amount not to exceed $72,080,000.