FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Many school districts in the State of Michigan typically seek approval for bond proposals every 5-10 years. This allows for significant building improvements to occur and keep district facilities current. The existing bond debt of Springport Public Schools voters includes a non-qualified bond from 2020, a qualified bond from 2015, and a qualified bond from 2015. The Board of Education and district administration would like to pursue a bond proposal in order to gain momentum on implementing major facilities updates. The desire for continuous facilities improvements is driven by the district strategic plan. Overall, a key goal for the district is to create safe and caring environments that develop the whole child. Upgraded facilities that support education for our current and future students will have a major impact in achieving our dedication to meeting the individual needs of each student as we prepare them to be productive, responsible citizens and lifelong learners. Due to the size and scale of school buildings, maintenance, updates, and replacement of facilities is costly and often not possible through the traditional funding received by school districts. Our district has a number of growing needs that require large sums of money to undertake. A bond proposal is the best approach to making the significant updates and improvements needed at SPS.

Schools receive funding from a number of sources. A simple breakdown of the sources is as follows: Foundation Per Pupil Allowance The State of Michigan provides a per pupil amount of funding to school districts. Currently, the amount received per pupil is $9,608. Operational Millage (Non-Homestead tax levy) This is a voter-approved tax levy that provides operational funding to support the annual school budget. The current Non-Homestead levy in the Springport Community Schools District is 18 mills. This funding is included in the Foundation Per Pupil Allowance above. This is not an additional funding source. * Staff salaries and benefits account for approximately 80-85% of the use of Foundation and Operational Millage funding. The remainder of these funds are typically used for costs of educational programs, building operation costs, and supplies. This leaves very little funding available for facility improvements. #* In the State of Michigan, school infrastructure is not included in the Foundation Per Pupil Allowance. Funding for school infrastructure improvements is obtained through local voter support. Voter-Approved Sinking Funds Voter-approved sinking funds provide an annual collection of taxes based on property values. Typically, the collection provides a smaller amount of funding that allows for minor facilities improvements and renovations. Under new legislation, sinking funds can pay for student technology and safety/security improvements. Sinking funds cannot be used for the purchase of furniture. SPS does not currently have a sinking fund. Voter-Approved Bond Funds A bond is a state-approved borrowing process for a set scope of projects. When voters approve a bond proposal, the school district sells bonds in the authorized amount and uses the proceeds of the sale to pay for those projects identified in the bond proposal. Bond proposals are most useful when a district needs a large funding source for facility improvement projects. In many ways, the bonding process is like a homeowner obtaining a mortgage and making payments over a period of years. The current levy for bond debt in the Springport Public Schools is 6.10 mills. The proposed levy associated with the May 2025 bond would not increase your tax levy.

No, by law, bond proposal funds cannot be used for employee salaries and benefits or student programming. They also cannot be used for repair or maintenance costs or other operating expenses. Bond proposal funds must be used only for purposes specified in the ballot language, and as required by state law, they must be independently audited.

People often wonder why our levy is higher compared to some of the larger surrounding districts. The simple answer is that our tax base is smaller comparatively and requires us to levy a higher millage rate to generate more funding through bonds or sinking funds to support facilities projects. The graph below highlights the comparison of the funding generated per 1 mill of levy with many of our neighboring and comparable districts.

Your tax levy will not change from the current rate. The millage levy is expected to remain at the 6.10 mill levy.

The millage will impact all real properties you own that are located within the Springport Public Schools district boundary.

The bonds may be sold in series. A series bond means that voters are asked to approve the overall bond amount once at the May 6th, 2025 election. Approval at this election authorizes the district to sell bonds up to the amount of $32.7 million over the next few years. Timing of the sale of bonds is monitored and suggested by the district’s financial manager, PFM Financial Advisors. Following a successful election, the first series would be sold in 2025 at the amount $10.2 million and the second series is anticipated to be sold up to the amount of $22.5 million in 2026. This approach is an opportunity to save in interest costs, and it also staggers cash flow for the project, so it is received when needed for construction to align with the potential staggered start and completion dates of the proposed projects.

Springport Public Schools is committed to a process of creating and maintaining a proactive approach to updating facilities. Continually evaluating and monitoring school facilities helps to protect the community’s investment in its schools. A comprehensive effort has been made early in the process to identify current facility needs while also identifying and anticipating future needs through the creation of a long-term facilities plan. We appreciate the previous community investments and want to continue to build upon the recent success funded through previous bond initiatives. Facilities are a major component in creating environments that prepare students for competing in an ever-changing world. During the early winter of 2024 and summer of 2024, working with architectural, engineering and construction specialists, the school district completed an in-depth facility study. The study identified districtwide facility needs and has helped inform the proposed direction of the bond proposal. Overall, there were approximately $31.2 million dollars of total facilities recommendations indicated in the report for Springport Elementary, Springport Middle School, Springport High School, the Animal Science Lab, the Transportation Center, and the Athletic Facilities. All costs identified are based upon 2026 construction market values. A summary by of items from this list identified as priority 1 & priority 2 items per building is as follows: Springport Elementary School Priority 1 Recommendations $ 8,072,822 Priority 2 Recommendations $ 136,390 Total Priority 1 + 2 Recommendations $ 8,902,752 Building Replacement Cost $37,910,812 FCI Index (Total Recommendations / Building Replacement Cost) 21.7% Springport Middle School Priority 1 Recommendations $3,107,571 Priority 2 Recommendations $2,113,467 Total Priority 1 + 2 Recommendations $5,221,038 Building Replacement Cost $49,799,904 FCI Index (Total Recommendations / Building Replacement Cost) 10.5% Springport High School Priority 1 Recommendations $30,044,295 Priority 2 Recommendations $828,640 Total Priority 1 + 2 Recommendations $30,872,935 Building Replacement Cost $68,893,520 FCI Index 44.8% Transportation Facility Priority 1 Recommendations $1.543,150 Priority 2 Recommendations $101,000 Total Priority 1 + 2 Recommendations $1,644,150 Building Replacement Cost $2,635,833 FCI Index 62.3% Ag Science Facility Priority 1 Recommendations $717,650 Priority 2 Recommendations $- Total Priority 1 + 2 Recommendations $717,650 Building Replacement Cost $3,313,619 FCI Index 21.7% TOTAL ALL RECOMMENDATIONS $47,358,525 In late spring of 2024, conversations with staff and the Board of Education identified additional thoughts for advancing the facility offerings as they relate to the educational needs and goals of the district. An all-staff survey was conducted in addition to these conversations to allow for input from all roles within the district. Many of the items that were shared were beyond the maintenance and upkeep needs identified in the facility study and were focused on projects that help support educational programming needs. As ideas and scenarios were studied for a potential bond proposal, additional input was provided by a community-based steering committee during the summer and fall of 2024. Input received was critical in testing potential scope ideas for a bond proposal along with gaining feedback on the financial impact to the community of a prospective bond.

Key Priorities of the Established Bond Scope Include: - Honoring our past - Prioritizing safety and security - Provide future-focused academic and student experiences - Enhancing infrastructure - Demonstrating fiscal responsibility

The Arches have been a pillar of the district’s history and traditions. Unfortunately, the structure is no longer worth the investment of upgrades and renovations. In order to provide the best educational and extracurricular activities for our students and community, a new auxiliary gym will be constructed. The gymnasium will allow for our students to have practices and competitions at a more convenient time and increase access during the school day. The new construction will also connect the elementary school to the new facility providing direct access during the school day.

The cafeteria will undergo a complete transformation as we convert the existing space into a true cafetorium. The current stage will be dropped to the current floor level. The floor will be leveled into three tiers, the ground floor, and two tiers of theater view seating. We will also be upgrading the audio and visual options in the space allowing our students and staff access to technology integration throughout performances and presentations. During performances, the space will be converted into a theater space by dropping black out curtains on the side walls, removing the cafeteria tables and replacing them with mobile theater seating, and enhancing the performances through a truly immersed experience.

Investing in upgrades and renovations to the current transportation facility is not a fiscally responsible solution. To ensure a functional and accessible facility for staff in the long term, a new transportation facility will be constructed. The new facility will offer a modern, accessible workspace with the necessary amenities to support efficiency, safety, and operational effectiveness. Additionally, it will accommodate advanced technology, evolving bus and vehicle designs, improved storage solutions, and administrative spaces that meet contemporary standards. The costs associated with renovating the existing facility to meet these standards are prohibitive, making the construction of a new facility the most viable and cost-effective solution.

Renovating a pre-engineered metal building, like your current transportation facility, can be challenging due to several factors, including: Structural Limitations – Pre-engineered metal buildings are designed for specific loads and uses. Adding extra weight (e.g., additional floors, heavy HVAC systems) may exceed the original design limits. Rigid Frame Constraints – The primary structural system consists of rigid frames, which may not allow for easy modifications, such as adding new openings (doors, windows) or expanding the building. Foundation Compatibility – The foundation is often designed specifically for the original pre-engineered metal building, making significant modifications difficult without costly reinforcement. Limited Expansion Options – Pre-engineered metal buildings are custom-designed, extending or adding sections may require specialized components that match the original system. Panel Replacement Challenges – Metal wall and roof panels are manufactured to fit precisely. If replacements or additions are needed, finding an exact match can be difficult, especially if the original manufacturer is no longer in business. Code Compliance – Older pre-engineered metal buildings (such as your transportation facility do not meet current building codes, meaning renovations may trigger costly upgrades to meet new standards. Wiring & Plumbing Issues – Retrofitting electrical and plumbing systems can be complicated because pre-engineered metal buildings often lack traditional wall cavities for easy routing. Corrosion & Wear – Over time, metal buildings may suffer from corrosion or weathering, which can complicate renovations by requiring extensive repairs before modifications can be made.

*Bid contingencies are included as a way to address the volatility of the construction market as it relates to inflation.

Yes, representatives of local law enforcement and emergency management organizations will be brought in early into the design process to gain feedback on how the facilities design best support safety, security and access for emergency response personnel.

An overall project schedule that includes designs and construction dates hasn’t been finalized. The timelines and sequencing for the various projects will be based upon further analysis by our architectural and construction management teams. The preliminary breakdown of projects by series is as follows. This also is subject to change based upon advice from the architectural and construction management teams. Timing for the Series 1 and Series 2 bond sales will be monitored by the district’s financial manager and the actual timing will be determined at a later date after further analysis of market conditions. PROPOSED SERIES 1 WORK – Bonds to be sold in August 2025 Design Process Schematic Design Design Development Construction Documentation Bidding, Negotiations, and Permitting Springport Elementary School - Anticipated Projects New community/auxiliary gymnasium addition allowing for two crosscourt basketball and volleyball courts. Provide updated mechanical/electrical systems with cooling, radio repeaters, PA system, bi-directional amplifier system, etc. Security vestibule upgrades including update of security technology and new safety film at windows. Toilet room improvements Window replacements Replace areas of facade and roofing system Replace sections of flooring as necessary Replace damaged areas of sidewalk Renovation of playgrounds including surfacing and equipment Springport Middle School New two-way repeater system Springport High School Provide new two-way radio repeater system Add new wireless access points PROPOSED SERIES 2 WORK – Bonds to be sold in August 2026 Springport Elementary School - Anticipated Projects (New Addition) Provide additional paving for improved traffic flow Springport Middle School Replace exterior doors Electrical upgrades Provide updated mechanical/electrical systems with cooling, radio repeaters, PA system, bi-directional amplifier system, etc. Security vestibule upgrades including update of security technology and new safety film at windows Flooring upgrades to classroom pods and band hall Provide enclosed cafeteria storage space New site signage Replace areas of parking lot paving Springport High School Provide new concessions, toilets, and ticket booth Locker room addition Upgraded pressbox facility Cafetorium upgrades to provide for a robust performance space included but not limited to new tiered seating, new scene shop, updated dressing rooms, and upgraded theatrical audio/visual systems Provide new cooling system Toilet room upgrades Window replacements Door replacements Replace areas of facade and roof system Replace competition gym interior finishes Locker room improvements Band room upgrades Ag science program improvements Media center interior upgrades Electrical upgrades Secure vestibule upgrades Provide new safety film at vestibule Provide upgraded PA system Provide new bi-directional amplification system Additional paving for improved traffic flow Baseball/softball complex improvements Springport Transportation Facility New transportation facility building Provide new PA system Paving improvements Springport Animal Science Facility Renovated space for storage Door replacements New PA system Renovate restrooms

The amount of work being proposed in the bond proposal is significant. As such, our Construction Management partners believe it to be the best practice to stagger the implementation of the projects. This will allow for greater contractor participation and will not overstress the construction market which currently is struggling with labor availability. Greater participation of bidders means greater competition and hopefully better bid results that will benefit the school district.

The budgeting that has been provided for the proposed bond scope is based on current market conditions. Going forward, the costs include typical yearly escalation factors and construction contingency funds for unforeseen conditions that are encountered during construction. The district will work to preserve the projects as originally presented to the community during the pre-bond planning phase. In the event unexpected market conditions arise, the district intends to implement projects in order of highest priority to lowest priority and will be fully transparent about any change in plans that may be necessary due to elements outside of their control. All recommendations were based on the initial facility assessment.

SPRINGPORT PUBLIC SCHOOLS BOND PROPOSAL Shall Springport Public Schools, Jackson, Calhoun, Eaton and Ingham Counties, Michigan, borrow the sum of not to exceed Thirty-Two Million Seven Hundred Thousand Dollars ($32,700,000) and issue its general obligation unlimited tax bonds therefor, in one or more series, for the purpose of: erecting, furnishing, and equipping additions to school buildings and a transportation facility; remodeling, furnishing and refurnishing, and equipping and re-equipping school buildings, including for school security; acquiring and installing instructional technology; and erecting, equipping, preparing, developing, and improving athletic fields and facilities, playgrounds, and sites? The following is for informational purposes only: The estimated millage that will be levied for the proposed bonds in 2025 is 1.50 mills ($1.50 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for a 0.00 mill net increase over the prior year’s levy. The maximum number of years the bonds of any series may be outstanding, exclusive of any refunding, is twenty-five (25) years. The estimated simple average annual millage anticipated to be required to retire this bond debt is 4.94 mills ($4.94 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation). The school district does not expect to borrow from the State to pay debt service on the bonds. The total amount of qualified bonds currently outstanding is $1,525,000. The total amount of qualified loans currently outstanding is $0. The estimated computed millage rate may change based on changes in certain circumstances. (Pursuant to State law, expenditure of bond proceeds must be audited and the proceeds cannot be used for repair or maintenance costs, teacher, administrator or employee salaries, or other operating expenses.)

Residents within the Springport Public Schools district who will be 18 years of age or older on Election Day and are registered to vote.

Go to the Michigan Voter Information website www.michigan.gov/vote or call the Clerk’s Office where you reside.

You need to update your voter registration if you have changed your name or address since the last time you voted. You can do this at any Secretary of State Office or at the Clerk’s Office where you reside.

Yes. Since voter approval of Proposal 3 in November 2018, registered voters do not need a reason to vote by absentee ballot. You can request an absentee ballot application from your Clerk’s Office or by going online to www.michigan.gov/vote and clicking on Absentee Voting in the left column. Absentee ballots should be available to voters no later than March 27, 2025, and may be cast through Election Day.