New Foundation. Lasting Legacy.
New Foundation. Lasting Legacy.
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Thank you for voting and supporting our 0 Mill Bond Referendum on November 4th!
We truly appreciate your support and are Bulldog Proud of our community for exercising your right to vote and making your voice heard. We truly appreciate your continued support of Hancock Public Schools and our students—together, we’ll keep moving forward as one Bulldog community.
Hancock Public Schools is proposing a bond referendum on November 4, 2025, to reinvest in our schools — improving air quality, safety, and learning environments for all students, without increasing current tax rates.
The District has a unique opportunity to extend payments and invest in additional district needs — without increasing current tax rates. In fact, taxpayers will see NO mill increase over the prior year's levy, all while addressing critical updates.
Major facility improvements in every building, while not increasing taxes!
Read more below ⇩
Read more below ⇩
Impact Framework
A plan with purpose and impact
A plan with purpose and impact
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.
Budget Impact
Budget Impact
No increase to current tax rates. This bond is structured to maintain existing tax levels.
Reduces everyday operating costs and future costly emergency repairs.
Community Impact
Community Impact
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.
Reinforces the District’s commitment to transparency, community engagement, and partnership.
Student Impact
Student Impact
Relevant, comfortable spaces that foster collaboration and connection and help improve focus and performance.
Upgrades like flexible furniture and improved spaces support more student and staff collaboration.
Strategic reinvestment reduces maintenance and frees up operational dollars for academics and student programming.
Built on Community Input & Strategic Vision
Built on Community Input & Strategic Vision
Meeting district needs, inspired by community voice
Meeting district needs, inspired by community voice
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 7-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 Hancock's Strategic Plan — emphasizing smart spending, student wellness, and supportive learning environments.
Pictured Left to Right:
Back row: Michael Lancour; President, Charlie Klein, Vice-President; Rod Paavola, Trustee
Front Row: Catherine Jordan, Trustee; Emilie Lancour; Secretary; Becky Ylitalo, Treasurer; Taylor Paul, Trustee
What's the Question?
What's the Question?
The official language you'll see on the ballot
The official language you'll see on the ballot
Hancock Public Schools Bond Proposal Shall Hancock Public Schools, Houghton County, Michigan, borrow the sum of not to exceed Thirteen Million Dollars ($13,000,000) and issue its general obligation unlimited tax bonds therefore, in one or more series, for the purpose of: remodeling, including security improvements to, furnishing and refurnishing, and equipping and re-equipping school buildings; erecting a school support building; and developing and improving athletic fields and facilities and a site?
Planned Improvements
Planned Improvements
Projects designed to lower energy costs, fix aging buildings, & improve daily learning for students
Projects designed to lower energy costs, fix aging buildings, & improve daily learning for students
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Upgraded heating, ventilation & HVAC system
Upgrade electrical & lighting
Replace windows
Replace water heater & upgrade plumbing
Repair exterior brickwork where needed
MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL
MIDDLE & HIGH SCHOOL
Renovate restrooms for ADA compliance
Repair exterior brickwork where needed
Replace exterior doors
Replace windows
Upgraded heating, ventilation & HVAC system
DISTRICT-WIDE PROJECTS
DISTRICT-WIDE PROJECTS
Replace boilers as needed
Upgrade classroom furniture district-wide to support group work, flexible seating, and modern learning
High School track
Fixing the drainage
Resurfacing
TOWN HALL
TOWN HALL
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 November 4, 2025 referendum.
Thursday, October 9, 2025
Thursday, October 9, 2025
6:00 to 7:00 PM
6:00 to 7:00 PM
Sylvia J. Eskola Auditorium
Hancock High/Middle School
501 Campus Drive, Hancock
Sylvia J. Eskola Auditorium
Hancock High/Middle School
501 Campus Drive, Hancock
Did you Know?
Did you Know?
Fact and details behind the bond proposal
Fact and details behind the bond proposal
Aging Facilities, Ongoing Commitment
Aging Facilities, Ongoing Commitment
Despite consistent maintenance and care, our school buildings are showing their age. The high school, now 26 years old, and the elementary school, at 36 years old, both face challenges from aging infrastructure. Core systems such as HVAC, & windows are outdated, inefficient, and no longer meet today’s safety, comfort, and energy standards—making updates essential to ensure a safe and effective learning environment for students and staff.
The Right Plan at the Right Time
The Right Plan at the Right Time
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, Hancock can do more with less — protecting its legacy and building a stronger future.
What the Funding Supports
What the Funding Supports
The proposed referendum would fund essential updates that protect school buildings and directly support student learning.
61% HVAC, Boilers, Lighting and Electrical
18% Exterior Infrastructure
14% Health, Safety, Security, Accessibility
7% Learning Spaces
Stay in the Loop!
Stay in the Loop!
Check back for updates.
Check back for updates.
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