Fennville, MI – On August 5, 2025, voters in the Fennville Public Schools district approved a bond referendum to reinvest in the district’s facilities, focusing on improving air quality, safety, and learning environments for all students, without increasing current tax rates. In fact, taxpayers will see a 0.5 mill net decrease compared to the previous year’s levy.
Unofficial election results show 660 YES (57.4%) votes and 489 NO (42.6%) votes.
The approval of the referendum reflects strong community support for enhancing the district’s infrastructure and ensuring it meets the needs of future generations. These funds will allow Fennville Public Schools to make important upgrades to its facilities, creating a safer and more comfortable learning environment for students and staff.
“We are incredibly grateful for the community’s support,” said Superintendent Albert Lombard. “This bond approval allows us to make essential improvements that will benefit our students today and for generations to come. By updating our facilities, we are ensuring a safe, functional, and high-quality learning environment for all, while also reducing the tax burden on our residents.”
Fennville Public Schools extends its thanks to the community for its ongoing support and looks forward to utilizing these funds to continue providing an outstanding learning experience for all students and staff.
Fennville Public Schools is proposing a bond referendum on August 5, 2025, to reinvest in our schools — improving air quality, safety, and learning environments for all students, without increasing current tax rates.
Thanks to paying off the elementary school bond from 2006, the District has a unique opportunity to extend those payments and invest in additional district needs — without increasing current tax rates. In fact, taxpayers will see a 0.5 mill net decrease over the prior year's levy, all while addressing critical updates.
As stewards of our community’s schools, it’s our responsibility to ensure every investment delivers meaningful, lasting impact — supporting students, strengthening our community, and protecting taxpayer resources for the future.
No increase to current tax rates. This bond is structured to maintain existing tax levels, while most residents will see a 0.5 mill decrease.
Utilizes payments from debt that is being paid off for new improvements.
Reduces everyday operating costs and future costly emergency repairs.
Aligns with our Strategic Plan goals for financial stewardship.
Protects our community’s previous investments in school infrastructure.
Helps attract and retain families, support strong property values, and foster pride in our schools and community.
Adds outdoor learning spaces designed for student use and community benefit.
Reinforces the District’s commitment to transparency, community engagement, and partnership.
Relevant, comfortable spaces that foster collaboration and connection and help improve focus and performance.
Upgrades like flexible furniture and improved cafeteria spaces support more student and staff collaboration.
Strategic reinvestment reduces maintenance and frees up operational dollars for academics and student programming.
Supports strategic plan goals of "Academics for All" and "Wellness for All."
The School Board’s intent is to bring forward a proposal that reflects a thoughtful balance of community priorities, facility needs, and financial responsibility. The plan was informed by the work of a 14-member community task force that met regularly, toured school buildings, and reviewed facility assessments and financial information. Combined with district-wide survey, staff input, and expert guidance, this process helped the School Board shape a proposal that aligns with Fennville’s Strategic Plan — emphasizing smart spending, student wellness, and supportive learning environments.
FENNVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS
COMMUNITY TASK FORCE
Shall Fennville Public Schools, Allegan County, Michigan, borrow the sum of not to exceed Twenty-Two Million Three Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($22,350,000) and issue its general obligation unlimited tax bonds therefore for the purpose of: remodeling, equipping and re-equipping, and furnishing and refurnishing school buildings and facilities; erecting and equipping structures for outdoor education programs; and preparing, developing, improving, and equipping playgrounds and sites?
The following is for informational purposes only:
The estimated millage that will be levied for the proposed bonds in 2025 is 1.29 mills ($1.29 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for a 0.5 mill net decrease over the prior year's levy. The maximum number of years the bonds 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 1.96 mills ($1.96 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 $32,530,000. 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.)
Upgrade full Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system
Replace roof
Improve windows
Replace water heater
Upgrade Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system
Replace roof
Renovate restrooms for ADA compliance
Replace chiller
Replace water heater
Replace Band Room flooring
Upgrade Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system
Renovate restrooms for ADA compliance
Update cafeteria with an open layout to create a more flexible, multi-purpose space
Repair exterior brickwork where needed
Replace exterior doors
Replace windows with failed seals
Replace chiller
Replace water heater
Replace boilers
Improve fire alarm and communication systems
Upgrade classroom furniture district-wide to support group work, flexible seating, and modern learning
Enhance outdoor learning environments
Replace district-owned section of Memorial Drive
Join us for a Town Hall to learn more, ask questions, and share feedback. This is your chance to hear directly from district leadership, ask questions, and gain valuable insights into the August 5, 2025 referendum.
If approved, the referendum would result in a net reduction of 0.5 mill on tax bills for residents of Fennville Public Schools.
Example: If your home has a market value of $200,000 you would see a decrease of about $50 per year on your tax bill.
Fennville Public Schools has done a strong job maintaining its facilities over the years, but time takes its toll. Our high school is now 50 years old, the middle school is 68 years old, and even the elementary school, our newest building, is nearly two decades old. Many core systems—including aging air handling units, boilers, water heaters, and the chiller plant have exceeded their expected lifespan. Roofing at the high school and elementary, along with windows at the elementary and middle school, are increasingly inefficient and no longer meet today’s safety and energy standards.
This proposal is not about spending more, it’s about being strategic with timing. At a time that can feel somewhat uncertain, this plan offers local stability: maintaining a consistent tax rate while still investing in safer, healthier, and more efficient schools.
Postponing these updates would lead to potentially higher future costs due to inflation, possible system failures, and missed energy efficiency savings. By acting now, Fennville can do more with less — protecting its legacy and building a stronger future.
Fennville Public Schools takes great pride in its scenic campuses and thriving outdoor learning areas and is looking to expand these opportunities district-wide. Potential additions include outdoor shelters, gathering spaces, trail systems, and natural environments such as prairies, wetlands, and gardens. In collaboration with the ODC Network, these flexible spaces would support hands-on learning, environmental education, and student wellness for all ages, all year long.
The proposed referendum would fund essential updates that protect school buildings and directly support student learning.
44.10% HVAC, Boilers, Water Heaters
40.40% Exterior Infrastructure
8.90% Health, Safety, Security, Accessibility
6.50% Learning Spaces
Facility discovery meeting & walk-through
Facility assessment & 360 photos
Preliminary Facility Assessment Review with administration
Ideation sessions with administration
School Board workshopping ideation/discussions
CO2 testing, room temps, humidity testing
Solutions & Funding options
Advisory Task Force meetings
Community-wide survey
Task Force recommendation & community survey information presented to the board
School Board workshops - prioritization & project selection
Preliminary PQ application due to Thrun Law, PFM, & Treasury
PQ meeting with Treasury
School Board approves PQ application – scan & email to Thrun Law next day
School Board approves bond referendum resolution
Community Referendum Town Hall
Community Referendum Town Hall
Election Day