If Okemos had no other outstanding debt, we would need to levy an average of 3.28 mills over 6 years to pay off the $24.9 million bond. However, we still have over two years of outstanding debt from previous bond proposals. To keep the rate consistent and predictable for our taxpayers, the 3.28 of additional debt is levied so the rate stays at 7 mills for an additional three years, while also extending the term of the debt for three additional years. (See the chart in the presentation blue- current debt, green - new debt levy.) In other words, the 7 mills is an extension of the current rate for a longer term, and 3.28 mills is NOT levied in addition to the 7 mills.

Flexible learning furniture is furniture, unlike traditional school furniture, that is engineered so it can be easily moved, collapsed or repositioned to meet the specific instructional needs of a student or lesson. This furniture is shaped and designed to fit together in multiple formations which can quickly and drastically change the layout of the classroom.

The superintendent’s Facilities Committee looked at multiple options to alleviate the immediate capacity issues at our elementary schools, resulting in superintendent’s recommendation of Bennett Woods as the preferred option because:

• Current enrollment is less than Cornell and  Hiawatha
• Could accommodate 104-130 additional students
• “Reasonable” capacity
• Facility in “best” condition
• Proximity to largest growth areas
• No additional unnecessary annual staffing costs
• Minimal redistricting; “reactive” to trends
• Utilize new classrooms as needed
• “Efficient”; balance classes
• Existing “infrastructure” – student and teacher supports; collaboration with colleagues
• Site can easily accommodate additional parking; traffic configurations (with renovations included in bond proposal)

Yes. Capacity issues in our elementary schools will result in some minor redistricting at our elementary schools.

The Board of Education directed administration, that should enrollments continue to increase significantly over time, it is recommended that the district engage in a systematic, comprehensive, transparent and inclusive  process that includes:

• Data collection – enrollment trends, neighborhood composition (children), other
• Review of  research – educational programming and impacts
• Consider the following in the comprehensive analysis (not in priority order):
• Grade level configurations
• Build a new school - Powell Rd; Wardcliff property
• Open Wardcliff
• Repurpose Edgewood
• Add additional classrooms to existing buildings
• Make additional renovations to existing buildings
• Other
• Develop models: assigning neighborhoods; consider various grade level configurations
• Develop positives, challenges and associated costs
• Engage in community conversations: educate and seek feedback

Note:

• This process could take up to one year before a final Board decision.
• The bond proposal and building process could take up to two years.
• The district may not have to engage in this process if enrollments stabilize.

Building signage
Concert shell and curtain
Student lockers (additional/replacement)
Drinking fountains
Storage/shelves/cabinetry replacement
Community Education furniture  (lobby, desks, chairs)
Bus washing station and vehicle lift
Science room refrigerators
Outside benches/tables
Auditorium curtain replacement

No. Buildings would utilize a combination of existing furniture and new flexible learning furniture provided by bond funds.

The district would utilize bond money to replace all student devices in the next two years, starting next year with our middle and high schools. Bond funds would be used to replace other aging classroom technology, like smartboards and projectors as equipment fails.