District News

Vote May 7, 2024

$24 Million for Facility Improvements

0.6 Mill Increase From Current Debt Levy

What will the ballot say?

HARPER CREEK COMMUNITY SCHOOLS BOND PROPOSAL

Shall Harper Creek Community Schools, Calhoun County, Michigan, borrow the sum of not to exceed Twenty-Four Million Dollars ($24,000,000) and issue its general obligation unlimited tax bonds therefor, in one or more series, for the purpose of: erecting, remodeling, and equipping and re-equipping school buildings and facilities, and additions to school buildings and facilities; furnishing and refurnishing school buildings and facilities; acquiring, installing, equipping and re-equipping school buildings for instructional technology; and preparing, developing, improving and equipping playgrounds, structures, facilities and sites?

The following is for informational purposes only:

The estimated millage that will be levied for the proposed bonds in 2024, under current law, is 0.60 mill ($0.60 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for a 0.60 mill net increase over the prior year’s levy. The maximum number of years the bonds of any series may be outstanding, exclusive of any refunding, is twenty (20) years. The estimated simple average annual millage anticipated to be required to retire this bond debt is 2.96 mills ($2.96 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation).

The school district expects to borrow from the State School Bond Qualification and Loan Program to pay debt service on these bonds. The estimated total principal amount of that borrowing is $3,938,495 and the estimated total interest to be paid thereon is $3,069,633. The estimated duration of the millage levy associated with that borrowing is 12 years and the estimated computed millage rate for such levy is 7.72 mills. The estimated computed millage rate may change based on changes in certain circumstances.

The total amount of qualified bonds currently outstanding is $33,230,000. The total amount of qualified loans currently outstanding is approximately $14,229,702.

What is the proposed scope of work? 

	Beadle Lake Elementary Four additional classrooms Furnishings for new classrooms Technology for new classrooms Security film on windows Expanded parking  New playground equipment
	Sonoma Elementary Four additional classrooms Furnishings for new classrooms Technology for new classrooms Security film on windows Expanded parking Revise bus drop loop New playground equipment
	Wattles Park Elementary Four additional classrooms Furnishings for new classrooms Technology for new classrooms Security film on windows Expanded parking Revise bus drop loop Relocate playgrounds for addition Add preschool playground Pave gravel parking lot
	Harper Creek Middle School Remodel pool for additional classrooms Remodel pool locker rooms for storage Furnishings for new classrooms Technology for new classrooms Security film on windows

Frequently Asked Questions

More questions? Contact Harper Creek Community Schools at 269.441.6550.

Paid for by Harper Creek Community Schools, 7454 B Drive North, Battle Creek, MI 49014