Multiple districts — Voters on Tuesday showed up for their public schools, approving multiple districts’ non-homestead operating millages and a bond request from Northview Public Schools.
Northview’s $74.6 million bond will fund improvements and renovations at every site in the district. The community approved its passage in a vote of 2,157 to 1,171, according to unofficial election results from the Kent County Clerk’s office.
“I am deeply appreciative of the voters who have demonstrated their belief in our vision for the future of education,” Superintendent Christina Hinds said Wednesday morning. “This investment will empower us to continue fostering an environment where every student is inspired to achieve their individual best.”
The projects to be funded by this bond include new classrooms to replace aging portable buildings, upgraded HVAC systems, dedicated elementary gymnasiums, athletic stadium upgrades, expanded fine arts spaces, and redesigned underused classrooms to serve new purposes.
With the green light to move forward, Hinds said the district will now conduct “listening sessions” with students, staff and other stakeholders who will use the spaces to be renovated or added. This feedback will inform the architectural design process.
Some of those meetings are already planned for this week. At East Oakview Elementary School, the team will begin discussions regarding the expansion and renovation of the cafeteria/gymnasium space, as well as the design and construction of two permanent classrooms to replace the existing Field School portable. At Northview High School, meetings will focus on work to be done in the media center and the performing arts classrooms.
Hinds said the district is “committed to a transparent and collaborative process” and plans to share initial visuals with the community on its bond website as these designs take shape in the coming months.
This was Hinds’ first bond request since taking the helm in Northview, and she expressed gratitude for the community’s support.
“Knowing that our community actively supports its public schools is an immense privilege and a source of profound motivation,” she said. “This bond approval is more than just financial support; it reflects a shared understanding of the vital role education plays in shaping our future. The tangible commitment demonstrated by our community, through their actions, reinforces our collective dedication to supporting students, strengthening community connections and building a brighter future for generations to come.”
Elsewhere in Kent County, voters in Caledonia, Forest Hills, Kelloggsville, Kentwood and Sparta approved crucial millages for their districts. All vote totals are unofficial election results from the Kent County Clerk’s office.
Caledonia Community Schools
Requested: A renewal of the district’s operating millage at the current rate of 18 mills on non-homestead property, plus an additional 0.5 mills built into the proposal to guard against future rollbacks required by the Headlee Amendment.
Voters said: YES, 2,915; No, 1,597 (totals include voters from both Kent and Allegan counties)
Thanks to voters, the district will receive the full per-pupil foundation allowance of $9,608 per pupil for the next five years, which is responsible for more than $15.6 million in funding — approximately 22% of the district’s total operating budget. Voters also approved the additional 0.5 mills built into the proposal as a Headlee Amendment safeguard.
Superintendent Dirk Weeldreyer said he was “incredibly thankful” for the CCS community showing support for their students, staff and schools.
“This vote reflects a shared belief in the importance of strong public education and a willingness to invest in the success of every Caledonia student,” he said. “We’re grateful to walk alongside a community that values education so deeply.”
Forest Hills Public Schools
Requested: Renewal of an 18-mill non-homestead millage and an additional 0.5 mills on non-homestead properties to buffer against the Headlee rollback.
Voters said: YES, 7,506; No, 2,256
The non-homestead represents about $24 million annually for Forest Hills, making up about 18% of the district’s $133 million budget. The passage of the additional 0.5 mill will allow the district to go six years before having to seek another renewal, said Julie Davis, assistant superintendent for finance and operations.
Kelloggsville Public Schools
Requested: Renewal of an 18-mill non-homestead millage for a two-year period.
Voters said: YES, 583; No, 285
This millage makes up about $4.4 million annually from the district’s general operating fund, or about 13% of its $34.7 million 2024-25 budget.
“Renewing the non-homestead millage is essential to keeping our schools strong,” said Assistant Superintendent Eric Alcorn. “Maintaining this support allows us to provide the best education for our community’s children.”
Kentwood Public Schools
Requested: A non-homestead operating millage proposal that authorizes a 3.9295-mill cushion to allow the district to levy the full 18 mills allowed on non-homestead properties.
Voters said: YES, 3,591; No, 2,128
Thanks to voters, the school district will receive full funding of its 18-mill non-homestead tax for the next five years. The cushion allows the full levy to continue in the event of a Headlee rollback.
KPS expects to collect approximately $26 million in 2025 from the millage, to be in effect from 2025 to 2029. Funds are used in a variety of ways: classroom supplies, technology, teacher salaries, staffing, student programs, athletics, transportation and building maintenance, according to information from the district.
Sparta Area Schools
Requested: A renewal of the district’s non-homestead operating millage for another 10 years.
Voters said: YES, 1,298, No, 521
The approval of the millage will allow the district to continue levying up to 18 mills on non-residential properties through 2036.
Sparta Superintendent Joel Stoner previously told SNN that the millage is expected to generate around $3 million in its first year.
Reporters Alexis Stark, Erin Albanese, Joanne Bailey-Boorsma and Riley Kelley contributed to this story
