The Hancock Board of Education has placed a bond proposal on the November 4, 2025 ballot to address facility needs across all schools. The plan includes updates to heating and HVAC systems, roofing, restrooms, windows, 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 — the current tax rate.

No. If the referendum is approved, the new bond would be funded using the current millage. Taxpayers would see no increase on their taxes, 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. 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 7 -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, improved lighting in all learning environments, more comfortable classrooms, and refreshed restrooms support student focus and well-being. The plan also includes modern classroom furniture for collaboration and project work.  

Like most Michigan school districts, Hancock 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 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 Hancock 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:

• 61 % — Heating, ventilation, lighting, boilers, and water heaters

• 18 % — Doors, windows, structural and other exterior infrastructure

• 14 % — Health, safety & security systems, and ADA accessibility improvements

• 7 % — Learning spaces, including classroom furniture and lab space enhancements 

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. 

No. The school referendum is unrelated to other construction projects currently happening around the City of Hancock. 

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.   

 The district has an opportunity to reinvest in its schools without increasing the current tax rate. 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.  If the referendum is not successful, the window to capitalize on our Zero Mill opportunity would close, with future opportunities requiring the District to ask our community to increase their taxes to support our aging infrastructural needs. 

Yes. Most recently, Lake Linden Hubbell Schools passed a $6.5 million net zero-mill increase bond referendum in 2025, helping to provide necessary bond revenue to improve, update and replace aging infrastructure.  Additionally, examples of lower Michigan districts of similar scale to Hancock passed net zero-mill increases - Bloomingdale (2024, $17M) and Martin (2023, $17M).