Here's how Calhoun County school proposals fared in Tuesday's election

MARSHALL — A $90 million bond proposal that would have built a new elementary school in Albion among other district-wide improvements for Marshall Public Schools was rejected by voters Tuesday, according to unofficial results from Calhoun County.

Voters rejected the bond by a margin of 2,521 to 1,932 votes in Calhoun County. District voters in neighboring Jackson county also rejected the bond by a margin of 15-7.

The bond proposal included district-wide technology and equipment improvements, a new elementary building in Albion, athletic facility improvements at Marshall High School and infrastructure improvements at all school buildings.

"While this bond setback is disheartening, please know that the education and well-being of our community's children remain our top priority," Marshall Public Schools Superintendent Rebecca Jones wrote in a letter to the community Wednesday. "We will regroup and continue pursuing a comprehensive and equitable facilities plan to provide every student with the tools they need to learn and thrive."

Marshall taxpayers would have seen a 1-mill increase under the bond proposal. The owner of a $200,000 home — $100,00 taxable value — would have paid $8.33 more per month under the proposal; Marshall Public Schools currently levies 6 mills for school bond debt.

Property owners in Albion are not currently paying a millage to support Marshall Public Schools. Under the proposed bond, former taxpayers of the Albion School District would have seen a 4.95-mill increase, with the owner of a $200,000 home paying $41.25 more per month.

"The district will closely examine the voting data to better understand the 'no' votes," Jones wrote. "We will seek further input from community members through surveys and public forums over the next few months. Maintaining an open dialogue will be crucial as we determine the best path forward to upgrade our aging school buildings in a fiscally responsible manner."

Tuesday's vote marks the second failed bond proposal since Marshall completed its annexation of the Albion School District in 2016. Marshall last asked voters to consider a bond in November 2021, with voters ultimately rejecting the $45.5 million package by a 2-1 margin in the election.

The most recent district facility assessment found that, in its current condition, Harrington Elementary in Albion has roughly $21 million in facility needs. With this in mind, the district proposed the construction of a new K-5 elementary building on the Opportunity High School campus in Albion, a $23.8 million cost, as part of the bond.

Marshall Public Schools last passed a bond in 2010.

Harper Creek voters say no to $24 million bond

Voters overwhelmingly declined a $24 million, 20-year bond Tuesday that would have allowed Harper Creek Community Schools to build additional classrooms at each of its elementary buildings and its middle school, among other upgrades.

Voters rejected the bond by a margin of 805 to 470 votes, according to unofficial results from Calhoun County.

"Thank you to all our Harper Creek community members who voted on the proposed bond. While the outcome was not what we had hoped, we respect the democratic process," district officials said in a statement. "We will continue to look for the best possible way to meet the needs of our students within our current resources and provide a quality education to each in our charge that will educate, empower and equip students for life."

Harper Creek has experienced growth in its student population at every building, with the marked increase of in-district growth allowing the board of education to cap the schools of choice program for at least five years.

The bond would have helped the district address this growing population, as it included plans to build four additional classrooms at Beadle Lake Elementary, Sonoma Elementary and Wattles Park Elementary, as well as remodel the vacant middle school pool area into four or five classrooms. The proposal would have also funded improvements to playgrounds and parking lots, renovations at the high school weight room and safety upgrades at all school buildings.

The bond would have raised the district's current debt levy by 0.6 mills. The owner of a $200,000 home — $100,00 taxable value — would have paid $5 more per month under the proposal.

Pennfield voters renew operating millage

Voters in the Pennfield School District on Tuesday renewed a six-year, 18-mill non-homestead operating millage for day-to-day operations of the district.

Voters approved the non-homestead operating millage by a strong margin, 574 to 246 votes, according to unofficial election results from Calhoun County.

“We are thankful to Pennfield voters for renewing the non-homestead operating millage which is essential for providing a high quality education to our students," Pennfield Schools Superintendent Stephanie Lemmer said. "The millage will continue to fund our amazing educators!”

Unlike other operating millages, non-homestead millages do not tax primary residences, but apply to other property, such as rental properties, second homes and commercial and industrial businesses.

In order to receive the full per-pupil state funding, districts across the state have to levy a non-homestead property tax of 18 mills.

"This is not an increase above 2018 millage levels," district officials said prior to the election. "This would keep taxes at their current operating rates for the non-homestead millage."

Contact reporter Greyson Steele at gsteele@battlecreekenquirer.com

This article originally appeared on Battle Creek Enquirer: Here's a look at what local voters decided in Tuesday's election