Muskegon voters face $37.1M school bond proposal to add classrooms and expand career learning

A $37.1M bond proposal is on the ballot Tuesday for Muskegon Public Schools. Voters would fund a second phase of facility improvements across the district. The plan adds classrooms and expands career-focused learning spaces for elementary, middle and high school students.

The proposal is guided by community input and feedback. It would maintain the current tax debt rate of 7.5 mills. There would be no net increase in taxes for neighbors.

Lindsey Crockford works as the Coordinator of Career and Technical Education at Muskegon High School. She said the funds would support continued growth without placing an additional burden on taxpayers.

Although it seems like a huge ask, Crockford said the district is just using money that already exists. She added that there will be no increase to taxpayers.

If the bond passes, three neighborhood elementary schools would each get four additional classrooms. Glenside Two-Way Language Immersion Elementary School would turn shared cafeteria and gym space into a dedicated cafeteria and separate gym.

The Charles Hackley Middle School Campus would get a Career Exploration Center with learning labs. These labs would serve students in 6th through 10th Grade.

Athletic facilities and fields would receive new LED lighting. A new press box would be added at Hackley Stadium.

Muskegon High School would get additional space to house the Innovation Academies of Muskegon Program. The program would launch next school year. It features two separate academies.

The first academy is the Industry, Technology and Design Academy. The second academy is the Health and Human Service Academy. Under each academy, there are four pathways for students to choose from. The goal is helping students connect with potential career paths.

Crockford said big reds can do anything. She added the district is offering and expanding opportunities these students can have. They currently only have one open classroom on the high school campus. If the bond does not pass, they would be in a tight squeeze to house the programs.

Emily Staley works as the district communications specialist. She urged neighbors to make their voices heard at the polls. She said the future of the community and childrens futures depends on their voice in the community. She added people must come out to vote.

Neighbors who want to learn more about the bond proposal can visit the district website.