Kentwood — Voters approved a sinking fund levy Tuesday that will allow for the district to fund ongoing repairs, technology, school security and other needs.
The proposal, for a 1.5718 mill levy, will replace the district’s current sinking fund, which expires in 2026. The new sinking fund would have the same levy of 1.5718 mills through 2035. According to the district’s sinking fund presentation and other information from KPS, the fund would generate about $4.18 million over 10 years.
Requested: Sinking Fund Millage
Voters said: YES: 5,288; No: 3,761
Source: accesskent.com, unofficial results
“We are incredibly thankful for the Kentwood community for their ongoing support. We know strong schools are essential for our vibrant comm and a core element is for our schools to be safe, to have current up-to-date technology and to have safe environments that are conducive to high levels of learning,” said Superintendent Kevin Polston. “The sinking fund will allow for the district to continue its ongoing plans for the next 10 years to ensure that our students have access to the highest quality of resources available.”
The district has used its current sinking fund to upgrade HVAC systems, add air conditioning to all classrooms, replace four buses each year and provide devices for all sixth- through 12th-graders and devices on carts for all kindergarten through fifth-graders. Parking lots are also on a 10-year replacement cycle, and the district is currently planning to expand its camera coverage in all buildings.
Other past projects funded by the district’s sinking fund have included district-wide safety lighting, roof replacements, boiler replacements, the Falcon Stadium track replacement and bleacher replacements at Crestwood Middle School’s Pat Patterson Field.
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