“A right-sized district with opportunities for all students.”

The Lamphere Schools is asking residents to vote on a $47.4 million facilities improvement bond proposal focused on addressing the critical needs of the school district.

The bond proposal prioritizes safe, functional, and up-to-date school facilities that will serve students and staff well into the future. Focusing on taking care of what we have and ensuring that existing buildings remain strong, efficient, and supportive of quality education is the primary purpose of the bond proposal.

Funding all necessary infrastructure improvements and replacements will require a 2.5 mill tax-rate increase. The intent is to minimize the financial impact on taxpayers while providing the revenue needed for critical building upgrades and enhanced safety measures.

The projects in The Lamphere Schools’ Facilities Improvement Bond Proposal were identified through a combination of community input, staff feedback, and professional facility assessments as part of the school district’s long-term strategic planning process.

Facility assessments identified over $100 million in total needs across the school district.

In May 2025, Lamphere Schools presented a bond proposal to voters, but it was not approved. In response, the school district conducted a follow-up survey seeking community feedback. The community emphasized the need to focus on what’s most essential: student safety, critical maintenance, and infrastructure that supports day-to-day learning.

Since then, the school district has revised the bond proposal. The updated bond proposal on the November 2025 ballot addresses high-priority needs across the school district.

The facilities improvement bond proposal is designed to address critical infrastructure and safety needs that are beyond the capacity of the school district’s sinking fund.

While the sinking fund has been essential in maintaining buildings over the years, it is not designed to cover the scale of updates now required. This bond proposal focuses on taking care of what we have—preserving and upgrading existing facilities to ensure they remain safe, functional, and able to meet the needs of students, staff, and the community for years to come.

The most recent bond proposal approved by Lamphere Schools voters was in 1997. In the 28 years since, the school district has maintained its facilities through responsible budgeting and the use of its sinking fund—delaying the need for additional bond proposal funding while still prioritizing building upkeep and student needs.

Over time, however, the scope and scale of necessary improvements have grown beyond what the sinking fund can reasonably cover. Addressing these long-term facility needs is essential to keeping school buildings safe, efficient, and up-to-date.

A bond is a State-approved funding process for a set scope of projects. When voters approve a bond proposal, the school district sells bonds in the authorized amount and uses the bond sale proceeds to pay for those projects in the bond proposal. Bonds are typically set up to be paid back in 20-30 years.

The repayment is typically funded through property taxes or other local revenue sources. Voters in the school district usually need to approve bond measures through a ballot initiative.

The Lamphere Schools’ Facilities Improvement Bond Proposal length is 30 years.

Yes. All revenue from the bond proposal will stay in the Lamphere Schools. None of the revenue will go to Lansing or to any other school district or political entity.

No. Bond proposal funds cannot be used for employee salaries or benefits. They also cannot be used for repairs, maintenance costs, or other operating expenses. Bond proposal funds must be used only for purposes specified in the ballot language, and as required by Michigan law, they must be independently audited.

The Michigan Department of Treasury has reviewed and approved every project in The Lamphere Schools’ Facilities Improvement Bond Proposal. All renovations and upgrades must comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state building codes. Bond funds are legally restricted and can only be used for the purposes outlined in the ballot language. In addition, state law requires that all bond expenditures be independently audited.

Lamphere Schools’ facilities and grounds are regularly used by residents of all ages, not just those with school-age children. From voting locations and community events to athletic fields and recreational spaces, the school district’s buildings and sites serve the broader Lamphere community. In addition, strong schools contribute to the overall value and appeal of a community. Well-maintained, high-quality schools help support property values and attract families and businesses, benefiting all residents, regardless of whether they have children enrolled in the school district.

Lamphere Schools is committed to keeping the community informed through multiple channels. Information about the facilities improvement bond proposal is being shared via community meetings, direct mailings, social media, the school district website, and local news outlets.

To maintain open communication, the school district encourages residents with questions or comments to reach out directly by phone or email for more detailed information.

A comprehensive list of proposed projects and additional resources is available at www.lamphereschools.org/page/bond-info-2025.

What will happen if voters don't approve the bond proposal?

If voters do not approve the bond proposal, the proposed projects will not move forward as planned. As facility needs continue to grow, necessary repairs and improvements may be delayed or require funding from the school district’s operational budget. This would divert resources from classroom instruction and student programs. Over time, postponing these updates may lead to higher costs and more complex repairs.

If voters approve the facilities improvement bond proposal, how will home values be affected?

Research shows that property values are often higher in communities with well-regarded school districts and modern, well-maintained school facilities. Homes in areas with strong schools tend to be more attractive to buyers, including families and businesses.

All projects included in The Lamphere Schools Facilities Improvement Bond Proposal are designed to support the long-term quality and appeal of the school district—demonstrating a continued investment in the community and responsible planning for the future.

A YES vote typically means that a voter supports a ballot proposal. Is that the case in this election?

Yes. Voters who support The Lamphere Schools’ Facilities Improvement Bond Proposal should vote YES; voters who oppose the facilities improvement bond proposal should vote NO.

What will be the cost for homeowners?

The cost for homeowners is calculated on their home's taxable value, which is approximately one-half of the market value of their home.

For example, a homeowner owning a home with a $200,000 market value and a taxable value of $100,000 would have a yearly cost of $250.00 or $20.83 per month.

Property taxes are calculated by multiplying the taxable property value by the millage rate (2.5) and then dividing that value by 1,000.

To determine your exact cost, check your home’s taxable value on your property tax statement or local assessor’s website.

The chart below can be used to estimate your cost:

Who can vote in the November 4 election?

All Lamphere Schools residents who are 18 years or older on Election Day and registered to vote are eligible to vote in this election.

Where can I get information about voting (such as how to register, where to vote, and absentee voting)?

Visit the Michigan Voter Information Center at www.michigan.gov/vote or contact your local clerk's office.

Do I need to update my voter registration?

If you have changed your name or address since the last time you voted, you must update your voter registration. You can update your registration at your local clerk's office or any Secretary of State office.

Can I vote by absentee ballot?

In Michigan, any registered voter can vote by absentee ballot; no reason is required. Whether you're traveling, busy on Election Day, or prefer to vote from home, you can request an absentee ballot and cast your vote at your convenience from your clerk's office or by going online to www.michigan.gov/vote and clicking on Vote at home.

Absentee ballots will be available to voters after September 18 and can be cast through Election Day.

Where can I get more information about the facilities improvement bond proposal?

• Visit www.lamphereschools.org/page/bond-info-2025

• Contact Superintendent, Dale Steen

• Phone: (248) 589-1990 ext. 212004

• Email: dale.steen@lamphereschools.org

Where can I share my thoughts about the bond proposal?

You can share your feedback on The Lamphere Schools' November 4 Facilities Improvement Bond Proposal by visiting www.research.net/r/TLSNov4Bond or by scanning the QR code.