The Sandusky Community School Board unanimously approved a resolution for a capital referendum during a special meeting last Wednesday, May 8th.
The referendum, scheduled for Tuesday, August 6, 2024, will pose a critical question regarding building infrastructure needs at both the Elementary School and Junior/Senior High school. The question will be worded on the August ballot as follows:
Shall Sandusky Community Schools, Sanilac County, Michigan, borrow the sum of not to exceed Thirteen Million Two Hundred Thousand Dollars ($13,200,000) and issue its general obligation unlimited tax bonds therefore, in one or more series, for the purpose of: partially remodeling, furnishing and refurnishing, and equipping and re-equipping the elementary and junior/high school buildings; erecting, remodeling, and equipping athletic facilities; acquiring and installing instructional technology and instructional technology equipment for school buildings; erecting and equipping a storage facility; and preparing, developing, and improving sites?
The capital referendum is designed to secure the necessary resources for the continued upkeep with the school buildings, enabling the district to continue providing a positive educational experience for the students, staff, and local community.
It is important to note that this referendum is different from the operational referendum that was held in November 2023, which ensured the district received the full ‘per pupil’ funding as determined by the State of Michigan for everyday expenses such as educational programming, salaries, utilities, and supplies.
The August 2024 bond referendum, meanwhile, focuses on the school buildings and infrastructure. Due to previous debt being paid off, the district is pleased to inform residents that the proposed work will be funded with a zero-mill net increase from the previous year, meaning property taxpayers will not see a net increase in their taxable mill amount because of passing this capital referendum.
The district plans to provide updated referendum information in the coming weeks, as well as more details via a dedicated information website, social media, open house opportunities, community group meetings, a detailed community mailer and more.
