By ZEINAB NAJM
Times-Herald Newspapers
HEIGHTS — Dearborn Heights District 7 voters will have to decide on a $6.4 million bond on the May 4 ballot.
The school board Feb. 3 unanimously voted in favor of the bond resolution to place the bond proposal on the ballot.
According to a press release on the district’s website, the bond would be used to make improvements to each of the district’s educational facilities.
If passed, the bond would be issued at a net zero tax rate increase to the community, remaining at the current 2.70 mills.
“We are asking voters to consider this bond that will allow us to enhance our facilities and improve our students’ experiences with increased efficiency and added security,” Supt. Jennifer Mast said in the press release.
In November 2015, voters passed a $4.5 million bond allowing the district to upgrade, install new instructional technology systems and make school building improvements.
The 2021 bond will focus on making essential upgrades to school buildings, including ceiling and flooring replacements, HVAC and plumbing upgrades, and replacing exterior and interior doors, the press release said.
Also included in the bond plan is the expansion of school parking lots and upgrading school communications systems.
Of the $6.4 million, site improvements will account for $1.7 million, facility enhancements at $3.4 millions, and electrical systems costing $1.3 million.
Site and athletic improvements include new football field turf at Chircop Field, new Annapolis High School baseball dugouts and parking lot improvements.
District wide facility improvements feature renovating the AHS auditorium, improvements to HVAC systems including rooftop unit replacements and upgraded air handling units and ventilators, additional water bottle filling stations, ceiling and flooring replacements, secure entrance at Madison and replacement of exterior and interior doors.
As for electrical systems, upgrades to bells and clocks, installing new PA systems at Pardee, Polk, and Best middle schools and energy enhancements are all planned if the bond is approved.
The press release says that the 2021 bond is separate from previous sinking fund renewals.
“Money provided from sinking funds is intended to address ongoing repair costs,” the release said. “If passed, the 2021 bond will allow the district to finance capital improvement projects across all schools in the community.”
Under Michigan law, all bond proceeds must be used for improvement of district facilities and cannot be used to pay administrator, teacher, or staff salaries, routine maintenance costs or other school operating expenses.
For more information on the bond, go to www.district7.net and click on 2021 bond information, or call the district’s communications team at 313-203-1000.
(Zeinab Najm can be reached at [email protected])