All districts — Tuesday, Nov. 4 is Election Day. Voters in the entire Kent ISD region will vote to restore and renew a 0.9-mill regional enhancement millage, and those in Byron Center, East Grand Rapids, Godwin Heights, Grandville, Rockford and Wyoming will also see other school-related proposals on their ballots.
Before you head to the polls or drop off your absentee ballot at a drop box or the clerk’s office, learn more (or get a refresher) about the education issues you’ll be voting on:
All Districts
Voters in every K-12 public school district and charter schools in the Kent Intermediate School District are being asked to restore and renew a 0.9-mill regional enhancement millage.
Originally passed in 2017, the enhancement millage has generated millions of dollars across 20 public school districts in Kent ISD over the past eight years.
Local districts, which received about $330 per pupil from the millage in 2024-25, have used the funds to maintain existing programs and improve services offered to students. Those include reducing class sizes by hiring additional staff, expanding reading and math interventions, increasing Advanced Placement and dual enrollment opportunities, improving mental health services, and funding building upgrades, among other things.
If approved, the millage would raise $35.6 million in 2027, with districts receiving about $357 per pupil.
Read more about the regional enhancement millage.
Byron Center Public Schools
Byron Center is asking voters to consider a $110 million bond proposal that would fund projects in every building, specifically addressing academics, arts and athletics. The bond would also update worn-out furniture, flooring and HVAC systems throughout the district; improve parking lots and site drainage; expand the transportation center; and upgrade technology to keep student and staff devices secure and up-to-date.
If approved, no tax rate increase is projected for property owners. Bond projects would be completed in two phases, with construction projects scheduled around ongoing district activities.
Read more about Byron Center’s proposal.
East Grand Rapids Public Schools
A new 0.5-mill sinking fund proposal on the ballot for East Grand Rapids Public Schools would, if approved, continue to levy taxes at the same rate as the district’s existing millage, but it would expand how the district can use that revenue.
When the current 0.5-mill fund was approved in 2016, sinking funds could be spent only on the construction and repair of school facilities. Now, districts can use the funds for security infrastructure, transportation vehicles and instructional technology. The district needs to seek a new millage, rather than a renewal, to take advantage of the new uses.
Read more about East Grand Rapids’ proposal.
Godwin Heights Public Schools
Updated learning spaces, improved safety and security, and other districtwide projects are part of the Godwin Heights $44.5 million bond proposal that district voters will consider in the November election.
Among the improvements for all of the district’s five school buildings are classroom upgrades, bathroom renovations, new public address and clock systems, electrical and mechanical upgrades, and technology in addition to specific facility needs identified through community sessions.
If the bond is approved, there will be no projected tax rate increase.
Read more about the Godwin Heights proposal.
Grandville Public Schools
Voters in Grandville are being asked to consider two district-specific ballot initiatives: an operating millage renewal and a sinking fund millage proposal.
Renewal of the non-homestead operating millage would generate about $18.1 million for day-to-day operations. This funding accounts for about 20% of the district’s operating budget and includes money for staffing and academic programs.
The district’s sinking fund millage proposal would generate about $3.38 million, beginning in 2027, for infrastructure needs including classroom technology, 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.
Read more about Grandville’s proposals.
Rockford Public Schools
Rockford is asking voters to consider a $230 million bond proposal that would allow the district to check a number of items off its to-do list. In addition to making air conditioning available district-wide, the bond would also boost security, cover the cost of new playground equipment, fund renovations to the high school performing arts center, and pay for the construction of a new indoor athletic complex.
The proposal would maintain the district’s current rate of 7 mills, resulting in a zero-mill increase for taxpayers over the current levy. It would generate around $40 million during its first series in 2026.
Read more about Rockford’s proposal.
Wyoming Public Schools
Voters will consider two proposals for Wyoming Public Schools, including a $29.75 million bond proposal, which, if passed, would fund district-wide work, and a sinking fund request that would allow the district to continue to earmark funds for ongoing maintenance projects and other needs.
The bond would complete the facilities master plan, with projects including the addition of a new gymnasium at Gladiola Elementary; enhanced safety and security measures, classroom and lab spaces; updated technology; fully air-conditioned learning environments; and upgraded classrooms and learning areas at the Secondary Learning Academy. Also planned are athletic facility improvements and community accessible spaces for events and activities.
The sinking fund, a 0.4595-mill, 10-year request, for 2026 to 2035, would replace the sinking fund approved in 2015 while maintaining the current millage rate. The new levy is expected to collect around $630,000 next year, compared to $600,000 under the existing levy, due to anticipated taxable value growth. Among other projects, the fund will cover roof repairs, maintenance, parking lot repair maintenance, lighting upgrades and window repairs and replacements.
Read more about Wyoming’s bond proposal.
Read more about Wyoming’s sinking fund proposal.
Reporters Joanne Bailey-Boorsma, Beth Heinen Bell, Riley Kelley and Alexis Stark contributed to this story.
