THANK YOU VOTERS!
Referendum 2024 results: Community supports continued investment in schools
On Tuesday, August 6, 2024, voters in the Cheboygan Area School District considered a one-question bond referendum in the amount of $22,220,000.
Following the vote, the unofficial election results are 1931 YES (57%) and 1471 NO (43%).
Superintendent Spencer Byrd expressed his gratitude to the community for their support:
“Approval of the referendum question allows the district to focus on important infrastructure needs and maintain/improve existing spaces within the confines of our budget. Voter participation and the belief in our mission to provide safe, healthy, and relevant spaces is invaluable. Thank you.”
Next steps include continued design and engineering work with our project partner SitelogIQ.
The district will continue to keep the community informed on the progress of current and future facility projects.
Cheboygan Area Schools School Board will hold an election on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, seeking voter approval for a zero-mill increase ballot question to authorize 22-year general obligation bond funds in an amount not to exceed $22,220,000 for facility and learning environment improvements.
How will this impact my taxes?
If the August 6, 2024 referendum question passes, homeowners within the Cheboygan School District would see a zero-mill net increase over the prior year's levy on their tax bill related to Cheboygan Area Schools and this referendum question.
How can a zero-mill increase be possible?
Because of an expiring bond (paying off current debt), the Cheboygan community has the unique opportunity to extend the current millage and improve the District’s facilities at the same rate, resulting in a ZERO-MILL NET INCREASE OVER THE PRIOR YEAR'S LEVY on resident property tax bills. Meaning your school property tax WILL NOT increase as a result of this referendum.
BALLOT QUESTION
Shall Cheboygan Area Schools, Cheboygan and Presque Isle Counties, Michigan, borrow the sum of not to exceed Twenty-Two Million Two Hundred Twenty Thousand Dollars ($22,220,000) and issue its general obligation unlimited tax bonds therefore, in one or more series, for the purpose of: remodeling, furnishing and refurnishing, and equipping and reequipping school buildings; erecting, furnishing, and equipping additions to school buildings; equipping, preparing, developing, and improving athletic facilities, playgrounds, and sites; and purchasing school buses?
PROJECT DETAILS
East Elementary School
View building project details below⬇
Safety
Safe and secure entry addition
Fire alarm system upgrade
Pickup/Drop-off curb management
Health
New HVAC system
Asbestos abatement
Infrastructure
Roof replacement
Boiler replacement
Electrical upgrade
Water piping replacement
ADA Improvements
Restrooms
Doors
New Learning Spaces
Special Education
Maker’s Space
Pre-K and Kindergarten Renovation
New Kindergarten classroom
Updates to existing Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten classrooms including walls, ceilings, flooring, lighting, casework, classroom equipment
New Early Childhood playground
Sink areas added to Pre-Kindergarten, Kindergarten, and Special Education classrooms
Intermediate/Middle School
View building project details below⬇
Safety
Fire alarm system replacement
Health
HVAC controls replacement
High School
View building project details below⬇
Health
Asbestos abatement
HVAC system improvements
Infrastructure
Water heater replacement
Boiler refurbishment
ADA Improvements
Elevator installation to access gym and mezzanine
Restroom renovations
Athletics
Track surface replacement
Tennis court resurface
Inverness Academy
View building project details below⬇
Safety
Fire alarm system upgrades
Health
HVAC system improvements
ADA Improvements
Restrooms
Transportation and Maintenance Building
Improvements include a bus allowance.
Athletics and Activities
Track and tennis courts will be resurfaced.
WHERE ARE PROJECT DOLLARS BEING SPENT?
REFERENDUM
OPEN HOUSE
OPEN HOUSE
Join us for an informational open house!
A short presentation will be shared at 6:30pm with a guided tour and questions to follow!
Thursday, August 1, 2024
6:30pm - 7:30pm
East Elementary School
WHY NOW?
East Elementary
The elementary school is over 65 years old and overdue for improvements and expansion. This referendum improves many long-standing issues with the building, including improving air quality, adding a safe and secure entrance, creating new classrooms, updating the sprinkler service, and improving handicap accessibility.
Maintaining School Buildings
This referendum focuses primarily on addressing aging infrastructure needs. Numerous parts of the District’s infrastructure are near the end of their useful life or past life expectancy, and replacing or improving them will result in:
Improved energy usage
Lowered utility bills
Reduced operational costs
The plan includes replacing air handling units from 1968 and 1975, upgrading boilers and water heaters, replacing water pipes, improving electrical distribution, and repairing or replacing roofs.
Health and Safety
There are many important projects included in this Referendum to prioritize safety, accessibility, and enhance the environment for students, staff, and visitors at our schools.
Creating a safe and secure entrance at East Elementary school.
Improving air quality across all buildings.
Replacing fire alarms at East Elementary, Intermediate/Middle School, and Inverness Academy.
Removing Asbestos where needed.
Adding handicap accessibility to all buildings, which improve access for all students, staff, and guests.
Improving the elementary school pickup/drop off area.
Unique Opportunity
Because of an expiring bond, the Cheboygan community has the unique opportunity to extend the millage and improve the District’s facilities at the exact same cost, resulting in a ZERO-MILL NET INCREASE OVER THE PRIOR YEAR'S LEVY on resident property tax bills.
If the bond is allowed to expire, any future referendums to improve the facilities would likely result in tax increases.
Debt levy is scheduled to drop to 1.6 mills in 2025, 0.7 mills in 2026, and 0.6 mills in 2027 before dropping to zero in 2028. This bond would extend the current 2.0 mill rate until about 2033, then falling off slowly until about 2045.
View meeting highlights, presentations, and photos on the Facility Website:
Community and Staff Input
To ensure future facility decisions make sense for students, are fiscally responsible, and have community support, the school board and leadership team of Cheboygan Area Schools included expanded communication with District residents via:
Facility Master Planning Website
Community Meetings
Community Survey
Facility Tours
CONCEPTUAL RENDERINGS
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EAST ELEMENTARY SCHOOL ADDITION
CONCEPTUAL FLOOR & SITE PLANS
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PHOTO GALLERY
Explore the photo gallery below by hovering over the photo and clicking the arrows on the left or right side.