Zero millage increase bond proposal for Allendale Public Schools on Nov. 3 ballot

ALLENDALE — Voters in the Allendale Public Schools district will decide on two bond proposals featuring a zero millage rate increase during the Nov. 3 election.

If approved, the district will maintain its current tax rate of 10.06 mills.

The original bond was last approved in 2017. At the time, officials estimated it would take until 2043 before the original 12-mill rate could be reduced. However, the Board of Education lowered the debt millage from 12 to 10.06 mills over the summer, reducing tax bills for community residents.

The reduction followed a board decision to refinance the district's outstanding bonds, saving approximately $35 million in interest payments and shortening the expected debt payoff date by 10 years.

Garth Cooper, superintendent of Allendale Public Schools, emphasized the district's focus on fiscal responsibility during an Oct. 1 public meeting.

"When I got here about 10 years ago, our fund balance was 4.7%, which is how much is in savings," Cooper said. "We have since raised that to 17% by taking care of things that we could take care of, making sure our employees are paid, but also being frugal."

Over the past decade, the district eliminated its reliance on short-term loans, saving hundreds of thousands of dollars in interest costs.

Cooper noted that funds generated by either proposal would remain entirely within the community.

"Those are local dollars for local learning," Cooper said. "When we have a bond pass that generates revenue, that stays right here in Allendale, and the people making the ultimate decision on how that money gets used is the school board."

If Proposal 1 passes, the tax rate would remain at 10.06 mills for an additional five years, delaying a projected 4.5-mill decrease from 2033 to 2038. If Proposal 2 passes, it would extend the 10.06-mill rate for two additional years. If voters approve both measures, the 10.06-mill rate would continue through 2042 before dropping significantly.

"We want to make sure we are paying down that interest aggressively; otherwise, you're throwing dollars away," Cooper said regarding extending the millage rate through 2042 if both measures pass.

District officials designed both proposals around community feedback, incorporating professional facility assessments, input from the district's facilities director, and discussions with internal and external stakeholders to address long-term operational needs over the next 15 years.

Proposal 1: School Safety, Facilities, Equipment, and Site Improvements Bond Proposal

If approved, Proposal 1 would fund districtwide enhancements, including:

• Enhanced emergency notification systems, expanded security cameras, and keyless entry systems for interior doors and classrooms in all schools.
• New wood and metal shop facilities, a dedicated robotics space, and a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) lab at the high school.
• Accessibility upgrades and facility expansions at each elementary school.
• Relocation of the baseball field alongside improvements to the softball, soccer, and football fields and track.

Proposal 2: Allendale Bond Proposal

If approved, Proposal 2 would fund the construction of a standalone multipurpose building east of the high school for school and community use, featuring:

• A community walking track.
• A marching band practice field.
• Home and visiting team locker rooms.
• Weight and fitness rooms.

For more information regarding the Allendale Public Schools zero-millage increase bond proposals, visit the Allendale Public Schools District Website. Voters can review general voting options or register by visiting theMichigan Voter Information Center.

— Mallory Burt is a reporter for Ottawa News Network. Contact her at newsroom@ottawanewsnetwork.org.