Question 1

Why a bond proposal?

Accepted Answer

Many school districts in the State of Michigan typically seek approval for bond proposals every 5-10 years. This allows for significant building improvements to occur and keep district facilities current. The last successful bond proposal passed in the Hopkins Public Schools District was in 2007.

Due to the size and scale of school buildings, maintenance, updates, and replacement of facilities are costly and often not possible through the traditional funding received by school districts. Our district has a number of important facility needs that require large sums of money to complete. The Board of  Education has determined that a bond proposal is its preferred approach to making the significant updates and improvements needed at HPS.

Question 2

What is a school bond?

Accepted Answer

A school bond is a voter-approved funding tool that allows a public school district to borrow money by issuing bonds. The funds raised are used to pay for major building improvements and other long-term capital projects, such as constructing or renovating school facilities. The bonds are repaid over time, typically through property taxes.

Question 3

How are Michigan schools funded?

Accepted Answer

Michigan public schools receive most of their operating funding from the state on a per-pupil basis, meaning districts receive a set amount of funding for each student enrolled. However, the State of Michigan does not provide funding for school facility improvements. Those costs are paid for locally through property taxes.

School districts have two primary tools to fund facility improvements: levying a sinking fund or asking voters to approve a bond.

Question 4

Can bond funds be used for teacher salaries or staffing needs?

Accepted Answer

No. By law, bond funds cannot be used for employee salaries or benefits, student programming, repair or maintenance, or other operating expenses. Bond funds must only be used for purposes specified in the ballot language, and as required by state law, they must be independently audited.

Question 5

Would my taxes increase if the bond proposal is approved?

Accepted Answer

If the bond proposal is approved, there is no projected changes to the currently levied millage.

Question 6

What is a mill?

Accepted Answer

A mill is equal to $1 per every $1,000 of taxable property valuation (not the market value of a home; homeowners can refer to their latest assessment for their home’s taxable value).

Question 7

How facility improvements benefit teachers and students directly?

Accepted Answer

Facility improvements provide Hopkins Public Schools with safe, appropriate, and modern spaces that better support teaching and learning. Portions of the existing middle school being proposed for replacement are more than 90 years old, and while the building has been carefully maintained, many of its systems are well beyond their intended useful life.

Updating these facilities improves safety, reliability, and day-to-day functionality for students and staff. In addition, modernized spaces allow the district to better support academic programs and offer extracurricular activities within the local community, enhancing student experience while reducing the need to travel outside the district.

Question 8

What is the difference between a bond proposal and a sinking fund?

Accepted Answer

Bond proposals are used to finance major capital projects. The district can borrow money upfront and repay the bond over time.

Sinking funds are provided on an annual basis to address the immediate needs of school buildings, facilities, and surrounding school sites. This is intended for short-term improvements rather than major renovations and upgrades.

Question 9

What is the current debt levy?

Accepted Answer

Hopkins Public Schools currently levies 10.34 mills on property within the district.

Question 10

How long is the bond term?

Accepted Answer

The proposal is structured as three separate series of bond sales. The longest series has a proposed repayment term of 25 years and 9 months.

Question 11

Can you pay the bond back sooner? Can it be refinanced?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The district has the option to refund (refinance) bonds to reduce the repayment term or take advantage of improved interest rates. Hopkins Public Schools has successfully refinanced previous bonds multiple times over the past 10 years.

Question 12

What happens if the bond passes and construction prices go up?

Accepted Answer

The district is committed to completing the projects within the funds approved by voters. Project budgets include allowances for reasonable construction cost inflation between now and the completion of construction.

MAY 2026
BOND PROPOSAL

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Please reach out with any questions or feedback.

MAY 2026 BOND PROPOSAL

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU! Please reach out with any questions or feedback.

MAY 2026
BOND PROPOSAL

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Please reach out with any questions or feedback.