2021 Bond

• In summer 2019, SRSD hired TMP Architecture and Barton Malow Construction to conduct a Facility Assessment to identify building infrastructure deficiencies across the  District.  

• Through fall and winter 2019-2020, District administration and instructional staff participated in exploratory “field trips” to school facilities within our state and  Northwest Ohio who had recently undergone renovation and/or new construction efforts aimed at closely aligning their physical environments with curricular vision. 

• In spring 2020, the professional team conducted both a Program Assessment and a  Technology Assessment to identify whether existing District facilities could be supportive of the future programmatic goals and objectives of the District’s curricular vision. 

• The District formed a Building Futures Committee (BFC), comprised of 56 participants,  including students, teachers, principals, administrators, community members, and business owners. The Committee’s charge was to review, analyze, and provide input for upgrading SRSD educational facilities to improve safety and security, correct infrastructure deficiencies, provide future-ready learning environments for all students in an equitable manner, and foster a culture of college and workforce preparedness. Seven BFC meetings were held to develop a plan that addressed all of the identified goals/objectives in an equitable manner, while at the same time  maintaining a ZERO increase over the 2020 debt millage rate. The BFC dedicated more than 600 hours in developing this plan from June-October 2020.

• In addition, six separate building-community sessions were held with additional staff,  community members, and parents to gain feedback on the committee’s considerations. A number of ideas, concepts, and estimates were vetted in the process and many of the building-community sentiments and ideas were integrated into the plan. 

• On November 23, 2020, the BFC presented its findings and recommendation to the  Board of Education, who unanimously supported moving forward with a May 4, 2021  bond election in the amount of $79,905,000 with ZERO increase projected over the  2020 millage rate. 

The program addresses prioritized infrastructure upgrades and security enhancements at all buildings and sites, creating future-ready learning environments including new and improved technology, and remodeling Shear Center into a new Innovation Center, all with the goal of increasing student achievement and fostering a culture of college and workforce preparedness.

Addams Elementary School 

• Upgrade security systems; camera/buzzer systems and additional security cameras
• Replace heating, ventilating and air conditioning system 
• Upgrade electrical systems and lighting for energy savings 
• New bus loop and parking lot expansion 
• Repave parking lot and sidewalks 
• Replace roofing where needed 
• Multi-purpose room addition  
• Special education classroom addition 
• Dedicated STEM/Makerspace classroom 
• Upgrade group restrooms 
• Remodel existing media center to Learning Commons 
• Upgrade cafeteria  
• Upgrade classrooms 
• Upgrade music and art classrooms 
• New flexible classroom furniture 
• New playground equipment  
• Replace classroom instructional technology and equipment 
• Upgrade gym and cafeteria audio visual systems

 

Fisher Elementary School 

• Upgrade security systems; camera/buzzer systems and additional security cameras
• Replace heating, ventilating and air conditioning system 
• Upgrade electrical systems and lighting for energy savings 
• Expand parking and repave existing parking lot and sidewalks 
• Replace roofing where needed 
• New (12) general classroom addition 
• New main entry, secure vestibule and administration addition  
• New music and art classrooms  
• New cafeteria, office, and support spaces addition 
• Dedicated STEM/Makerspace classroom  
• Upgrade group restrooms 
• New special education offices  
• Remodel existing media center to Learning Commons 
• Upgrade existing multi-purpose gymnasium 
• Reorganization and upgrades of existing spaces 
• New flexible classroom furniture 
• Upgrade existing kindergarten and prekindergarten classrooms 
• New playground and equipment 
• Replace classroom instructional technology and equipment 
• Upgrade gym and cafeteria audio visual systems  

 

Jefferson Elementary School 

• Upgrade security systems; camera/buzzer systems and additional security cameras
• Replace heating, ventilating and air conditioning system 
• Upgrade electrical systems and lighting for energy savings 
• Repave parking lot and sidewalks 
• Multi-purpose room addition 
• Dedicated STEM/ Makerspace classroom 
• Remodel existing media center to Learning Commons 
• Upgrade cafeteria  
• Upgrade classrooms 
• Upgrade music and art classrooms 
• Remodel ASD room to pre-k classroom 
• New flexible classroom furniture 
• New playground equipment 
• Replace classroom instructional technology and equipment 
• Upgrade gym and cafeteria audio visual systems 

 

Vandenberg Elementary School 

• Upgrade security systems; camera/buzzer systems and additional security cameras
• Replace heating, ventilating and air conditioning system 
• Upgrade electrical systems and lighting for energy savings 
• Repave parking lot, sidewalks, and blacktop playground areas 
• Multi-purpose room addition 
• Dedicated STEM/ Makerspace classroom 
• Remodel existing media center to Learning Commons 
• Upgrade cafeteria  
• Upgrade classrooms 
• Upgrade music and art classrooms 
• Upgrade group restrooms 
• New flexible classroom furniture 
• New playground equipment 
• Replace classroom instructional technology and equipment 
• Upgrade gym and cafeteria audio visual systems  

 

Pierce Middle School 

• Upgrade security systems; camera/buzzer systems and additional security cameras
• Replace heating, ventilating and air conditioning system 
• Upgrade electrical systems and lighting for energy savings 
• Repave parking lot and sidewalks 
• Upgrade athletic fields 
• New flexible classroom furniture 
• Convert current 7th-grade science classrooms into STEM labs 
• Convert current STEM classrooms and computer lab into 7th-grade science classrooms
• Remodel existing media center to Learning Commons 
• Upgrade cafeteria 
• Upgrade classrooms 
• Reorganize and expand administration and counseling space 
• Upgrade visual and performing arts classrooms 
• Upgrade group restrooms 
• New staff restrooms on 2nd floor 
• New athletic equipment 
• New music equipment 
• Replace classroom instructional technology and equipment 
• Upgrade gym and cafeteria audio visual systems

 

Thurston High School 

• Upgrade security systems; camera/buzzer systems and additional security cameras
• Replace heating, ventilating and air conditioning system 
• Upgrade electrical systems and lighting for energy savings  
• Repave parking lot and sidewalks 
• Replace roofing where needed 
• Upgrade existing classrooms to new student collaboration spaces 
• Upgrade athletic ball fields and tennis courts including fencing 
• Remodel existing media center to Learning Commons 
• Upgrade classrooms 
• Upgrade science labs 
• Upgrade music classrooms 
• Upgrade group restrooms 
• New flexible classroom furniture 
• New athletic equipment 
• New music equipment 
• Replace classroom instructional technology and equipment 
• Upgrade gym and cafeteria audio visual systems  

 

Thurston High School Innovation Center  

• Upgrade security systems; camera/buzzer systems and additional security cameras
• Replace heating, ventilating and air conditioning system 
• Upgrade electrical systems and lighting for energy savings  
• Repave parking lot and sidewalks 
• Replace roofing where needed 
• New innovation center 
• New robotics lab 
• New Career Technical Education (CTE), Skilled Trades, and Vo-Tech program spaces
• New flexible classroom furniture 
• New outdoor patio to support CTE, Skilled Trades, and Vo-Tech studios
• Replace classroom instructional technology and equipment 

The following project timeline is only a projection. Dates and project order may be revised based on several factors including things such as market conditions, student impact,  weather, product availability, and school calendar.  

2021 – Design Work 

2021-2022 – Thurston High School Innovation Center 

2022 2023 – Fisher Addition, Renovations, Site Work 

2022-2023 – Addams, Jefferson, and Vandenberg Additions 

2022-2023 – Pierce Middle School Renovations 

2024 2025 – Thurston High School Renovations 

2024-2025 – Addams, Jefferson, and Vandenberg Renovations

The Gibson School is budgeted for demolition in the bond program scope.

The heating and ventilation improvements, including air conditioning and climate control,  and the new classroom furnishings are being made to provide a more comfortable and healthy learning environment for the students and for our teachers. Research has shown  that with proper environmental conditions, students focus and attention increase. In  addition, the modernized science labs, technology labs, classrooms spaces, study areas,  and media center will support our goals of improving achievement and leveling the playing field for our students by enabling our staff and students to engage in high levels of instructional delivery, research and collaboration, information access and project-based  instruction.

Work at our school buildings would be scheduled in a way that would limit interference with day-to-day operations or community safety. The majority of construction work would be completed during the summer months. When ongoing work occurs during school days, there would be a clear separation between construction and school operations. Safety is a paramount concern and would be the key factor in determining the construction sequencing.

In 2005, the District implemented a Bond Program that addressed various facilities goals of the District and made a number of infrastructure improvements at that time. Specific  features addressed in this bond program included new canopies at all building entrances  to enhance curb appeal, a new 700-seat Performing Arts Auditorium, auxiliary gym  

addition, athletic upgrades including installation of synthetic turf at the athletic field, new concession stands, restrooms, and improved security and increased parking at the athletic field, Thurston High, and Addams Elementary Schools.  

The Board and administration agreed that our buildings have served very well over the past several years, but as our buildings age, we know that we are moving closer to the end of the useful life of our building systems and components. In 2013, as part of the effort to provide responsible fiscal management, the District and its professional team conducted an assessment of all District facilities that identified future repair and renovation priorities. 

In August 2013, the District successfully passed a Building and Site Sinking Fund (BSSF) to allow the District to fund building and site repairs, safety and security measures, expansion of the high school cafeteria, and various infrastructure upgrades which included repairs, replacements, additions and/or remodeling at all of our District buildings. The goals for these upgrades are to allow the District to continue to provide students and the community with safe and secure learning environments and to protect taxpayers’ investment in our schools.

Neighboring districts have experienced the same issue of continually aging buildings. Bond programs have been approved and implemented all around us, including Livonia,  Crestwood, Northville, Dearborn, Clarenceville, Garden City, and Wayne-Westland. In today’s competitive environment, districts seek every advantage to recruit and retain students.

Public schools in Michigan receive operating funds on a per-pupil basis. Attracting and retaining students plays a major role in keeping SRSD’s operating budget stable. The quality of our programs and facilities plays a role in both of these areas. If approved by the voters, the bond program would upgrade facilities to support updated teaching methods, improve operational efficiencies in our facilities, provide progressive learning environments, and protect and maintain the community’s past investment in our school buildings. Parents have choices regarding where their children will receive an education. It is the intent of the Board of Education and the District to maintain its reputation for providing quality programs and facilities in order to attract and retain students. 

Approximate costs associated with the projects identified in 2021 Bond program are  allocated in the following manner: 

Building	Estimate of Construction Value
Addams Elementary School	$8,094,081
Fisher Elementary School	$21,108,304
Jefferson Elementary School	$6,470,313
Vandenberg Elementary School	$6,910,897
Pierce Middle School	$13,494,890
Thurston High School / Innovation Center	$22,554,241
Gibson School Demolition	$367,276
Bond Issuance Costs	$1,223,282
Interest Earned	($318,284)
Total Bond	$79,905,000

Property taxes may be deductible as itemized deductions on your federal income tax return if you itemize. You may also be eligible for the Michigan Homestead Property Tax  Credit on your Michigan Income Tax Return. Please consult with your tax preparer.

The Michigan Homestead Property Tax Credit is a method through which some taxpayers can receive a tax credit for an amount of their property tax that exceeds a certain percentage of their household income. This program establishes categories under which homeowners or renters are eligible for a homestead property tax credit. Please consult with your tax preparer to determine if you are eligible for this important and valuable tax credit.

No, that is against State law. Bond dollars cannot be used for operational expenses such as employee salaries, upgrades, facility maintenance, or energy costs. Bond program funds must be accounted for separately from general operating funds. Bond funds are also subject to audit.

Bond proceeds cannot be used for the following items: 

• Salaries and wages 
• General operating expenses and maintenance 
• Classroom supplies and textbooks

• Construction and remodeling of facilities 
• Purchase of instructional technology equipment 
• Equipment and furniture 
• Site improvements 

Voter registration procedures have changed since 2018. 

April 19, 2021 – Last day to register in any manner other than in person with the local clerk for the May election. 

April 30, 2021 up to 5pm – Deadline for electors to obtain an absent voter ballot via First Class mail. 

May 4, 2021 up to 8pm – Deadline for voters to obtain an absent voter ballot in person in clerk’s office. 

May 4, 2021 up to 8pm – Election Day registrants may obtain and vote an absent voter ballot in person in the township clerk’s office or vote in person in the proper precinct.

Mr. Brian Galdes, Superintendent of Schools 

313-535-4000 x1001 | [email protected]