With over 91% surveyed community support, White Cloud Public Schools is hoping to pass their $28.4 million dollar bond proposal this coming May.

While the dollar amount is considerably large, this proposal has a zero tax-rate increase from last year’s levy of 9.5 mills. According to Superintendent Ed Canning, this was a major “driver” in the proposal.

“This suggests the folks behind the bond issue are really tuned into the current social economic climate,” Canning said. “People are often sensitive to tax hikes, and keeping the rate the same can make the bond more acceptable to voters. It shows fiscal responsibility and an understanding of potential financial pressures on the community.”

Improvements for the district come in three main areas: athletic facilities, safety and security, and school building improvements. The biggest financial portion of the project comes with new athletic facilities, costing approximately $13.7 million. This is followed up by high school improvements ($6.8 million), junior high school improvements ($3.3 million), elementary school improvements ($3.2 million), and transportation and maintenance ($1.2 million).

The biggest portion of the bill is the construction of a new athletics complex, which would be located in between the elementary school and high school buildings. Within the complex would be a baseball field on the west side of the property, along with a softball field next to it, a new practice football field, batting cages, and a new building for restrooms and storage. New parking would also be reconfigured on the south side of the complex and a new lot would be paved on the north side. 

Additional facility improvements will also be done to the football field, which includes new stadium lights and new bleachers on both sides; and the maintenance garage, which would add a new storage space and additional bus canopies.

“As part of our District's Strategic Plan, we are continually looking at safety, security and efficiency of our facilities,” Canning said. “Everything within this bond proposal connects to the safety and security of students, staff, and the community, then the athletic facility upgrades would likely be framed through that lens.”

Within the high school, the district would like to construct a new secure entrance on the south side of the building along with expand the nearby parking lot on the east side of the building. Select portions of the building, such as the cafeteria, gymnasium, media center, and various science labs and locker rooms would also see renovations. These renovations include repairs regarding lighting, HVAC units, and door and windows replacements.

For the junior high school, improvements listed on the proposal include renovations of the gym and stage areas, new electrical panels, lobby area improvements, and new secure entries on the north and northwest portions of the building. A new multi-purpose, fenced in play field would also be added on the southwest portion of the building.

The most requested part of the project, for the elementary school, is an improved, well-lit pathway that connects the building to the junior high and high schools. A new playground would be added onto the north side of the facility, as well as new upgraded interior finishes and a larger main parking lot.

The whole project financially is broken down into 45.5% sitework costs, 35% remodeling, 19% in brand new construction, and the remaining 0.5% in technology equipment.

“It's crucial to understand that this bond is much more than a sports complex,” Canning said. “It encompasses a comprehensive plan to revitalize our schools, providing generational changes that will benefit our students and community for decades to come. These changes will not only enhance safety but also improve educational spaces, and overall learning experiences.”

Registered voters in the White Cloud Public Schools District can vote in person on Tuesday, May 6, from 7:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. in their respective polling locations. Absentee ballots will also be available on Thursday, Mar. 27.

For more information and details regarding the bond proposal, visit https://www.whitecloud.net.

_{Graphic image courtesy of White Cloud Public Schools.}