Frequently Asked Questions

The Fennville Board of Education has placed a bond proposal on the August 5, 2025 ballot to address facility needs across all schools. The plan includes updates to heating and cooling systems, roofing, restrooms, fire alarms, and classroom environments. These projects are based on facility assessments and shaped by feedback from a community-led task force and district-wide survey. 

The School Board’s intent is to protect the longevity and value of district buildings, support a better student experience, and do so in a way that maintains — and even slightly lowers — the current tax rate.

No. The district has existing debt that is being paid off in 2025. If the referendum is approved, the new bond would be funded using that expiring millage. Most taxpayers would see a slight decrease though — about 0.5 mills less than what they are currently paying — meaning the referendum can move forward without increasing the current tax rate. 

The district has an opportunity to reinvest in its schools without increasing the current tax rate, due to existing debt being paid off in 2025. By acting now, the district can fund important improvements while maintaining consistency and tax stability.

Waiting could result in higher costs in the future — from inflation, aging systems and reduced efficiency, or the loss of this one-time funding window — making it more difficult to complete the same work without a tax increase.

The proposed projects were identified through a combination of professional facility assessments, input from a 14-member community task force, and feedback from a district-wide survey. The focus is on practical, high-need improvements — including safety systems, aging infrastructure, and relevant learning spaces that support student learning. 

The proposed improvements are designed to create safer, healthier, and more effective learning environments. Updates like better ventilation, more comfortable classrooms, and ADA-accessible restrooms support student focus and well-being. The plan also includes modern classroom furniture, flexible cafeteria space for collaboration and project work, and outdoor learning areas that reflect the community’s strong commitment to nature, agriculture, and environmental learning. 

Like most Michigan school districts, Fennville receives funding from the state and federal governments to support day-to-day operations — including salaries, supplies, and educational programs. However, larger building improvements aren't typically covered by that funding.

When major facility updates are needed, the district must ask local voters to approve a bond referendum to borrow funds. It’s a practical solution — much like how many homeowners rely on financing for major repairs or improvements. Bond funds are approved by the local community and used entirely for local benefit — supporting projects that improve schools and learning environments for Fennville students.

The referendum funds are focused on practical, high-need updates that protect existing buildings and support students. Here’s how the planned investment breaks down:

• 44.1% — Heating, ventilation, boilers, and water heaters

• 40.4% — Roofs, windows, doors, and other exterior infrastructure

• 8.9% — Fire alarms, safety systems, and ADA accessibility improvements

• 6.5% — Learning spaces, including classroom furniture and cafeteria upgrades

The majority of the funding goes toward core building systems that are essential to keeping schools functional, safe, and efficient.

Contractor selection is the responsibility of the School Board. All major work will be publicly bid, and the Board will consider qualifications, cost, experience, location, and the ability to complete work on schedule when awarding contracts. While local contractors are encouraged to bid, final selections are made to ensure the best overall value for the district and its taxpayers.

If the referendum is not approved, the district will continue to maintain its buildings using existing resources. However, the proposed improvements would not move forward, and some aging systems may still require attention in the near future. Addressing those needs later could result in higher costs or a future referendum that includes a tax increase. 

No. The school referendum is unrelated to other construction projects currently happening around the City of Fennville. Improvements to tennis courts, parks, public spaces, and other non-school areas are being managed by separate public entities. To the district’s understanding, those city-led projects are being funded through sources other than property tax. The bond referendum on the August 5th ballot applies only to improvements within Fennville Public Schools — and it does not increase school property taxes beyond their current level.

Yes. The following Allegan County school districts passed a net zero-mill increase in recent years: Allegan (2021, $87.5M), Bloomingdale (2024, $17M), Martin (2023, $17M), Otsego (2020, $22.9M), South Haven (2021, .03 mill decrease, $34.8M), and Wayland (2023, $49.7M).

The following Allegan County school districts passed a millage increase in recent years: Hamilton (2023, 2.17 mill increase, $41M) and Saugatuck (2020, 1.6 mill increase, $35.6M).

Michigan provides no direct state funding for school infrastructure. While districts can use existing funds for building improvements, doing so diverts money away from classrooms and students. That’s why school facility upgrades often depend on support from the local community.