After seeing a $55.24 million bond request defeated by just 23 votes on Nov. 3, the Kenowa Hills Board of Education will ask again next spring.
The board authorized Superintendent Gerald Hopkins at its Nov. 9 meeting to begin taking steps to bring the same request back to voters in the May 3, 2016 elections. In order to place the proposal on the ballot,the board still needs to submit an application to the Michigan Department of Treasury by Jan. 11, and to formally call for the election by Feb. 8.
It would be the board’s third try for a bond since last May, when voters rejected a higher request of $78.6 million. More people voted yes in that defeat than did so in the Nov. 3 election, leading Hopkins to conclude more people supported the $55.24 million request than voted for it.
“Our Board of Education recognizes the needs outlined in the proposal cannot be addressed through revenue in our operating budget,” Hopkins said. “We believe there is tremendous support for our schools that isn’t represented in the outcome of the bond election, and our residents deserve another opportunity to demonstrate their support.
The bond request would pay for facility needs like boilers and water heaters, along with technology and building security upgrades.
“I look forward to the many conversations with our residents in the coming months to clarify and express the significant needs.”
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