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WAYLAND UNION SCHOOLS
2023 BOND PROGRAM | VOTE MAY 2, 2023
QUICK FACTS
The bond is tax neutral, meaning the current 8.4 debt mills collected are not expected to be increased.
On Tuesday, May 2, 2023, voters in the Wayland Union School District will be asked to consider a bond proposal that, if approved, would result in district-wide facility improvements at no estimated millage change.
Following assessments by our architecture and construction partners, as well as conversations with our community, staff, and students, we have identified projects that would transform our campus while maintaining the current tax rate. One of our main goals is to NOT increase the millage rate for our taxpayers.
If supported by voters, this tax-neutral bond will positively impact every student and school building, while enhancing our programs and expanding opportunities for our community.
May 2, 2023
ELECTION DAY/BALLOTS DUE
QUICK FACTS
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
Our main priorities are to give our students modern, collaborative learning environments, while enhancing safety and security. If approved by voters, this expected millage-neutral bond would positively impact every student and school building, while also expanding programs and opportunities for our community.
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT
AND INSTRUCTION
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New band and orchestra space to meet the needs of a growing program, including more storage space and practice rooms, and improved acoustics for safer sound levels*
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New choral space to meet the needs of a growing program, including improved acoustics for safer sound levels*
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New space created for robotics at the High School
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Upgrade career-tech opportunities with improved areas for auto and wood shop areas, and Computer Aided Drafting (CAD)
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Enhance original wrestling room to accommodate additional programming, including youth wrestling, cheer, color guard and Community Education classes
Mains
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Middle School roof and windows replacement (30 years old)
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Elementary building enhancements: security, handicap accessible bathroom upgrades, technology, furniture and flooring needs
Healthy
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New exterior doors at many locations
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Retrofit Pine Street classroom doors with security glass
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Install protective security film on windows
Drinks
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Upgraded Community Room for Leisure Life use, Community Ed classes and meeting space for district and community use
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New community pool for ALL ages, from infants to senior citizens, featuring a sloping entrance for easy access into the water. Programming includes various programs, including lessons for students, exercise classes for senior citizens, summer swim lessons, school swim programs and open swim
A LOOK INTO THE FUTURE OF WAYLAND UNION SCHOOLS
Here's a glimpse of what Wayland Union's facilities could look like if they proposed bond is expected.
Note: These drawings are concept renderings. The district and its design firm will conduct focus groups to determine final designs.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Why does Wayland Union need a bond?
Many school districts in the State of Michigan seek approval for bond proposals every 5-10 years. This allows for significant improvements to keep district facilities current.
Due to the size and scale of school buildings, improvements and/or replacement of facilities is costly and often not possible through the traditional funding received by school districts. Our district has 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 Wayland Union Public Schools.
Why not use Casino money?
The Wayland Union School District has received an average of $1.6 million from the Casino Revenue Sharing In Lieu of Taxes since 2012, which accounts for 5% of the district’s revenue.
The Casino funding is divided into three buckets:
Instructional Support (25%), Community Support (25%), and Public Improvement (50% or $800,000/year). The district uses Public Improvement funds to fund smaller capital outlay projects each year, which also includes the high school science wing payment.
If the proposal is not accepted, will my taxes immediately decrease?
KEY:
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Beige bars reflect what Debt mills are needed if the bond does NOT pass.
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Blue bars reflect the Debt mills needs if the bond DOES pass.
No, regardless of the bond’s approval on May 2, 2023, the current millage rate of 8.40 would not significantly begin to decline until 2027. At that time, the rate would gradually decrease through 2042.
How will the passing of this bond not increase my taxes?
Wayland Union Schools will borrow new money for these much-needed upgrades, which means more debt. However, if approved by voters, it is estimated the current debt millage rate of 8.40 mills would not change. Our goal is to not to seek new mills from our taxpayers, but to add value to our school system. Adding value to the school district adds value to property levels. Good schools draw family home buyers.
The current 8.40 mills would be extended to cover this new debt. This extension, along with increased property values, growth in property tax capacity, and our participation in the School Bond Loan Fund, will allow our district to raise $49.7 million without increasing the tax rate.
QUESTIONS?
Please contact Pat Velie, Assistant Superintendent of Finance and Operations at 269-792-2181 or by email at veliep@waylandunion.org.