2026 Grass Lake Schools Bond Information
Zero Mileage Renewal
ZERO INCREASE TO THE CURRENT TAX RATE
Current millage rate:7.65
Proposed millage rate:7.65
In May of 2026, our community will have the opportunity to consider whether to approve a school bond proposal. If approved by the voters, this bond proposal would provide $42,000,000 for district-wide improvements, with a zero mill increase over the current debt millage rate. Utilizing our Strategic Plan, our Master Plan commissioned in 2025 and our Facility Assessment Report from 2024 as the base of our proposal and through stakeholder and community feedback and involvement, the highest priority projects for our bond proposal have been identified. The identified focus areas are: safety and security projects, 21st century learning upgrades for classrooms and spaces, athletic facility expansion, technology, renovations and expansion at our middle school.
A bond proposal is how a public school district asks the community to authorize borrowing money to pay for capital expenditures and improvements. We do not currently have a sinking fund in the GLCS, which is common in many communities, which would provide an additional fund for building and grounds improvements. Voter-approved bond funds can be spent on site improvements, playgrounds, furnishings, equipment, technology, new construction, building remodeling, additions and other capital needs. Funds that are raised through the bond process cannot be used for operational expenses like employee salaries and benefits, school supplies, textbooks, etc.
- Environmental remediation projects
- 21st Century Innovation Center:
- Remodel of media center
- collaboration spaces with new furniture
- Secure main entry remodel
- Classroom finish and furniture upgrades
- Stie traffice reconfiguration and improvements
- Accessible playground update
- Environmental remediation projects
- Secure main entry and office renovation
- LGI renovation with facade updates
- Classrooms & Collaboration addition with new furniture
- Locker room renovation, gym, and concession updates
- Classroom furniture and finish updates
- Student Commons with Media Center remodel and STEAM Corridor renovations
- Auxiliary gym / weight room relocation and mat room project
- New batting cage building
- Secure main entry remodel
- Media Center remodel
- 21st Century Learning Environment:
- Pilot classroom furniture
- Facility condition upgrades (parking lots, roofing, plumbing, HVAC, lighting, doors, and controls)
- District-wide technology infrastructure updates
- New district music instruments
The district has been investigating and studying the current and projected needs of school buildings and educational programs. This review was completed through a master plan study and recent facility assessment studies conducted by both Kingscott and the State of Michigan. Using this information—supported by our district strategic plan initiatives, staff member input, and community engagement, district leadership and the Board of Education are now asking voters to consider the school bond proposal for May of 2026.
If approved by our community, the GLCS debt millage rate is estimated to remain the same as the current levy with a zero mill increase to property owners over the current millage rate. This graph reflects the zero mill increase for the districts for the $42,000,000 bond in May of 2026. The district is currently in the School Loan Revolving Fund ( SLRF), which is reflected in the graph in yellow. Once the debt obligation with the SLRF is met in 2032, the millage rates will start to slowly decline.
Michigan law requires that expenditures of bond proceeds undergo an extensive auditing process. Bond funds can only be spent for purposes as approved by the voters. The bond cannot be used for repair or maintenance costs, employee salaries or any other operating expenses. An audit is completed and filed with the Michigan Department of Treasury which ensures compliance.
A mill represents $1.00 for every $1,000 of taxable value of your property. The taxable value of your property is the same or lower than the state-equalized value and substantially lower (50% or more) than the market value.
Businesses, second homes and primary homes that are homestead, are treated the same regarding the bond millage. All properties are assessed for school debt millage on their taxable value.
No. School districts are not allowed to use funds from a bond for operating expenses.
The district’s architect/engineer will design the proposed projects and prepare construction documents and specifications for the projects. Once they are designed, the Construction Manager and district representative will assemble bid packages and publicly advertise to solicit competitive bids for all work. This is required by law, as outlined in the Revised School Code. The process ensures that the district selects the lowest responsive and responsible bidder. All qualified contractors will have the opportunity to attend a pre-bid meeting to obtain more information and project clarification. All qualified contractors will have the opportunity to participate in the competitive bid process.
Bond projects typically go through five phases: a design phase, state approval phase, bidding phase, site work phase, and construction and completion phase.
Per the Michigan Department of Treasury Bulletin 7 and the Revised School Code, every construction fund is required to have an independent audit. The audit must be completed by a CPA utilizing generally accepted auditing standards. A bond construction fund audit report is required after construction is completed as determined by a Certificate of Substantial completion. This report covers the entirety of the construction period from the sale of bonds through completion and must include all activity during the project timeline.
Voting Information
Voters can visit Michigan.gov/vote to register online. Individuals may also register in person at their local Clerk’s Office with required documentation. For guidance in locating your local clerk, visit Michigan.gov/vote.
To be eligible to vote you must be: A Michigan resident (at the time you register) and a resident of the village, city or township for at least 30 days. You must be a US citizen and be at least 18 years of age at voting time. If you rent a house or apartment you are eligible to vote. You must live within the school district boundaries and be a registered voter.
Registered voters must complete and submit the application to receive their absentee voter ballot. To vote by mail, fill out the application and sign it and then return to your local Clerk’s Office.
Tuesday, May 5th, 2026, is Election Day. Absentee ballots may be cast by mail leading up to this date. If you have any questions or do not know where to vote, please contact your village or township office. Polls will open at 7:00am and close at 8:00pm on Tuesday, May 5thth.
The GLCS team will be presenting the bond proposal in many avenues to include in person meetings with community groups, in person community forums scheduled for later this year, on the district’s website and via social media channels.
If you have any further questions, please contact:
Dr. Nick Angel: nick.angel@grasslakeschools.com or by phone at 517-867-5540
Janelle Sherwood, Business Manager: janelle.sherwood@grasslakeschools.com or by phone at 517-8675540