Many school districts in the State of Michigan typically seek bond proposals every 5-10 years. This allows for significant building improvements and helps 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 facility replacements are costly and often not possible with the traditional funding available to school districts. Our district has several important facility needs that require substantial funding to complete. The Board of Education has determined that a bond proposal is the most efficient approach to making the significant updates and improvements needed at HPS.

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.

Michigan public schools receive most of their operating funding from the state on a per-pupil basis, meaning districts receive a set amount for each enrolled student. However, the State of Michigan does not generally provide specific funding for school facility improvements. Those costs are usually paid for at the local level.Besides the general fund, school districts have two primary tools to fund facility improvements: levying a sinking fund or asking voters to approve a bond. If the district were to use the general fund monies, it would impact in-classroom funding.

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 be used only for purposes specified in the ballot language and, as required by state law, must be independently audited.

Yes. If approved, the proposed bond would increase the current debt levy by an expected 2.80 mills, bringing the total debt levy to 9.34 mills. The proposed 9.34 mill levy is 1.0 mill lower than the 2025 debt levy of 10.34 mills.

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).

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 would improve safety, reliability, and day-to-day functionality for students and staff. The proposed bond would also include Hopkins Public Schools' first dedicated performing arts center, updated building systems throughout the district, technology upgrades, replacement school buses, and priority site and infrastructure improvements that support daily school operations.

Bond proposals are used to finance major capital projects. The district can borrow money upfront and repay the bond over time.Sinking funds provide smaller dollar amounts 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.

Following the May election, the district's debt levy decreased from 10.34 mills in 2025 to 6.54 mills. The proposed November bond would increase the debt levy by 2.80 mills, resulting in a total debt levy of 9.34 mills, which is 1.0 mill lower than the 2025 debt levy.

The proposal is structured as two separate series of bond sales. The longest series has a proposed repayment term of 24 years and 9 months.

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.

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. If costs change, the district would adjust the scope or phasing of projects as needed to stay within the approved bond amount.

If the bond is approved by district voters, the projects would move into design, followed by competitive bidding for construction. Michigan law requires competitive bidding for the material and labor associated with school construction projects.Facility assessment and design services are professional services and are selected based on qualifications and experience. In this case, TowerPinkster updated the district's facility assessment at no additional cost as an existing district consultant.O-A-K would solicit qualified contractors, publicly advertise the work as required, and reach out to contractors to encourage participation. O-A-K does not self-perform construction work on Hopkins Public Schools projects, and the district retains authority of contract award.

The project budgets account for the full cost of completing the proposed work and include allowances for reasonable construction cost inflation between today and when construction would occur.If the bond is approved, the district cannot simply increase the $98.7 million authorization if construction costs rise. We would need to manage the projects within the funding available. If necessary, that could mean adjusting project scope or phasing while maintaining the priorities approved by voters.