Dear Lamphere Community,

Providing a safe, up-to-date learning environment for students is a priority in The Lamphere Schools. Our school district operates one high school, one middle school, four elementary schools, an Early Childhood and Administrative Center, a countywide center program (Lamphere Center), and a Maintenance and Transportation Center. These buildings range in age from 47 to 69 years old.

The last bond proposal that was approved by Lamphere residents was in 1997, 28 years ago. Since that time, we have been able to complete small-scale updates to facilities through our sinking fund without incurring any additional bond indebtedness. Not many school districts can say that. In fact, The Lamphere Schools is one of only two school districts in Oakland County without any bonded indebtedness. Unfortunately, what this means is that any bond proposal to update school facilities will require a tax-rate increase. To keep the increase as reasonable as possible, we have categorized all projects into three major areas:

Enhancing Safety and Security, including:

• adding secure entry points to all school facilities to enhance building security

• installing additional security cameras district-wide 

• adding an emergency generator at Lamphere High School and quick connects to emergency

• generators at elementary schools and Page Middle School

• updating parking lots and drop-off loops to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion at all schools

• adding impact-resistant glass at public entrances

• upgrading fire alarm systems across the school district

Expanding Student Learning Opportunities, including:

• creating a third science lab at Page Middle School

• filling in the pool area at Page Middle School, which closed in 2013, to create a dedicated districtwide robotics space

• upgrading the auditorium stage, dressing rooms, and technology infrastructure to enhance arts education

• constructing an auxiliary gym at Lamphere High School to accommodate all student programs

• enhancing music and art classrooms at the middle school and high school, and purchasing new musical instruments

• updating STEM classrooms at all elementary schools and adding STEM classrooms to Hiller and Simonds Elementary Schools

• renovating outdated learning spaces at Lamphere High School into modern learning labs

• building a storage facility at the transportation center

• replacing worn-out and early childhood playground equipment at all elementary schools.

• adding synthetic turf to the baseball and softball infields

Addressing Facility Needs, including:

• replacing paving and reconfiguring parking lots and loops

• replacing roofing

• upgrading mechanical systems, including boilers and classroom units, at select locations

• upgrading air handler units to improve comfort and energy efficiency

• addressing infrastructure issues across the district to ensure safe, functional, and sustainable facilities

These enhancements reflect our belief that academics, arts, and athletics go hand-in-hand in preparing well-rounded students.

This bond proposal represents an opportunity for us to continue to uphold The Lamphere Schools high standards and traditions. We are committed to ensuring our facilities are safe, modern, and conducive to the exceptional learning opportunities our families expect.