Grandville — Voters in Grandville will be asked to consider two district-specific ballot initiatives this fall: an operating millage renewal and a sinking fund millage proposal.
Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 4.
Renewal of the operating millage would generate about $18.1 million for day-to-day operations at Grandville Public Schools beginning in 2027. This funding accounts for about 20% of the district’s operating budget and includes money for staffing and academic programs.
The proposal levies an 18-mill tax on non-homestead property, including commercial, industrial and rental properties. A voter’s primary residence would not be affected.
The current operating millage, approved by voters in 2023, remains in effect through 2026 but cannot be levied beyond that date without voter approval. As was the case in 2023, voters are being asked to approve up to 19 mills, even though the district cannot levy more than 18 mills by state law; the additional 1 mill protects against potential Headlee Amendment rollbacks.
The district’s sinking fund millage proposal would generate about $3.38 million, beginning in 2027, for infrastructure needs including classroom technology and student devices; roof, HVAC, parking lot and other facility repairs; and safer, more efficient buses.
If approved, voters who own a home valued at $400,000 would see their monthly property tax payment increase about 75 cents compared to 2025, the district said.
A sinking fund is a “pay as you go” millage that allows school districts to pay for certain capital improvements without borrowing or paying interest. First approved by Grandville voters in 1996 and renewed in 2006 and 2016, the district’s current sinking fund millage will expire next year.
Due to Headlee rollbacks, GPS’ current sinking fund millage rate is lower than the original voter-approved rate, the district said. Thus, with this fall’s proposal, voters are being asked to restore the sinking fund to its original rate of 1.4 mills and renew it for 10 years.
Superintendent Roger Bearup said these proposals are not unfamiliar to the Grandville community that has supported such millages in the past.
“If restored and renewed, the proposals will provide continued funding in the future for the district to maintain facilities, purchase new buses and technology, maintain or reduce class sizes, continue to strengthen safety and security, maintain effective staffing and programs, and continue our focus on strengthening college and career learning opportunities for students,” Bearup said. “Our community has been very supportive in the past and we appreciate their continued partnership.”
More information on the ballot proposals can be found on the district’s website. In addition to these district-specific proposals, Grandville voters will also find a regional enhancement millage for Kent ISD on their ballot.
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