Editor’s Note: The bond proposal received final approval from the Michigan Department of Treasury and the proposal was approved by the LCS Board of Education on May 3, 2022.

LAPEER, Michigan — Last evening, the Lapeer Community Schools (LCS) Board of Education convened a special meeting to discuss the prospect of a zero-tax-increase school bond to address long-term facility needs in the District. The bond would provide approximately $44 million in funding for improvement projects across the District (increased security, new paving, roofs, heating and cooling improvements, etc.).

After deliberation in committees and with all members present, the Board unanimously approved a plan to move forward to the Michigan Department of Treasury for final approval. Nothing is official until the bond proposal and ballot language are approved by the state. If the plan is approved, it would appear on the August 2, 2022 primary ballot.

LCS Board of Education President Summer Putnam said the improvements that would be achieved with a no-increase bond are long overdue.

“The passage of this bond would be a game-changer for the District,” Putnam said. “There are significant needs in the District, and to be able to meet them without increasing taxes is a win-win.”

The zero-tax-increase bond, if passed, would maintain the existing millage rate (2.75) which is the lowest in Lapeer County.

In 2019, voters rejected a $94.9 million school bond proposal which would have raised the tax rate by 1.94 mills.

“We heard the community loud and clear in 2019,” said LCS Superintendent Matt Wandrie. “There was support for infrastructure, security and the absolute necessities required to operate our programs every day, but the tax increase was a non-starter. We have put together a plan that does not increase the burden on taxpayers but does address the basic needs of our aging facilities.

“It’s a nuts and bolts plan.”

We will have more information in the coming weeks.