One important change proposed in the Zero-Tax-Increase School Improvement Bond, is buried deep in the bond project list. As a consequence of moving ninth graders back to the high school, the District configuration of grades would change slightly:

Proposed Grade Configuration

• High School: 9-12
• Zemmer: 7-8
• Rolland-Warner: 5-6
• Elementary Schools: E5K-4

The change at the top would filter down to the elementary level, offering up a little more wiggle room and, even more important, opening up new classroom space for dedicated specials.

Were the bond to pass, our elementary schools would have space for art and music rooms which, without dedicated spaces, are offered on carts and wherever space can be found.

For example, this past school year, we had a music class in an open area at Schickler Elementary. We’ve offered music in the cafeteria at Lynch as well.

Suffice it to say, having dedicated spaces for these classes would allow us to offer our students a better experience. In addition, it would relieve our teachers of the added burden of trying to teach off of a cart.

For more information on this topic or any other related to the Bond, contact Jared Field at Jared. Field@LapeerSchools.org.