FOR IMMEDIATE NEWS RELEASE
Au Gres-Sims School District Planning August Bond Election
May 8, 2018
AU GRES, MI – The Au Gres-Sims School District (AGS) Board of Education has unanimously approved moving forward with a $8.1 million bond proposal, and voted to place the proposal on the August 7th ballot.
If the bond proposal is approved by voters, there will be no change in the current tax rate. The current tax rate will simply be extended. In preparing the bond proposal, the Au Gres-Sims School District had architects and engineers conduct a facilities assessment and then worked with the Board to develop a list of priority projects.
The main purpose of the bond proposal is to remodel and upgrade Au Gres-Sims schools and school facilities. “The bond proposal will allow the school district to finance upgrades and classroom remodeling,” said School Superintendent Jeffrey Collier. “Our purpose is to make sure our schools and school facilities support 21st Century instruction and learning.”
In addition to financing updates to the elementary and middle/high schools, the bond proposal funds will be used to enhance student safety by constructing secure entrances to both buildings, replace boilers and install air conditioning campus-wide, and replace existing parking lots with an incorporated bus safety loop.
Collier said that the boilers are scheduled for replacement because they are approximately 20 years old and have reached the end of their life expectancy. Upgrading the boilers also provides an opportunity to add air conditioning to the schools. “For the first time, the new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system will provide a year-round, climate-controlled learning environment in our schools,” Collier added.
Board of Education President Heather Garry said the bond proposal will provide a vibrant school district for this generation and the next. “We have a window of opportunity to make substantial improvements throughout the learning environment.” She emphasized that voter approval of the proposal would not change the current tax rate.
According to Collier, the bond proposal will affect every AGS student and every AGS school facility. He said that the list of projects is quite extensive. “The project list includes such things as upgrading and replacing mechanical and electrical systems, secure entries, classrooms, restrooms, kitchen equipment, lockers, and parking lots with a bus loop.”
Garry believes the bond is necessary to assure that Au Gres-Sims students continue to receive a top-tier, quality education and that Au Gres-Sims School District’s graduates are prepared for success to compete in a global market. She stated, “This is a win-win proposal for our students and the AGS community. I believe a successful bond will attract new families to Au Gres and have a positive effect on homeowner property values.”
Superintendent Collier said that the school district will be producing informational materials to explain the various components and benefits of the bond proposal. “We want to make sure members of the community understand the proposal and that all of their questions are answered before the vote, which the Board of Education has scheduled for August 7th.