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Four Districts Ask Voters for Help Nov. 3

Tax Requests Would Pay for Facilities, Security, Technology

Four Kent County school districts will ask voters for financial support on the election ballot next Tuesday, Nov. 3. The tax requests would pay for everything from building repair and construction to new technology and security measures. Here’s a quick rundown of the proposals:

Grand Rapids Public Schools

REQUEST: A $175 million bond issue to fund building repairs, new construction and facility improvements. Includes $155 million for construction, $10 million for enhanced security and $10 million for technology upgrades.

COST: About 2.1 mills over a maximum of 26 years, costing the owner of a $100,000 house about $103.50 per year.

DETAILS: District information

STORY: GRPS Bond Would Improve Buildings, Security and Technology

Kenowa Hills Public Schools

REQUEST No. 1: A $55.24 million bond issue to pay for security, facility and technology improvements. Includes new entrance vestibules and buses, an addition to Zinser Elementary and providing laptop computers to all K-4 students.

COST:  About 0.99 mills over a maximum of 30 years, costing the owner of a $100,000 home about $49.50 a year.

REQUEST No. 2: Renewal of the state-authorized, 18-mill operating millage on non-homestead property for 10 years, generating approximately $9.5 million in 2017.

DETAILS: District information

STORY: Kenowa Leaders Hope Second Time the Charm for Bond

Kentwood PublicSchools

REQUEST: A $64.86 million bond issue for security, technology and building improvements. Includes remodeled entryways, new computers and devices, and elementary media center renovations.

COST: An increase of 0.75 mills over 30 years, costing the owner of a $100,000 home about $37.50 per year.

DETAILS: District information

STORY: District Again Seeks Approval for $65 Million Security

Wyoming Public Schools

REQUEST:  Sinking fund to generate about $400,000 a year for facility repairs and improvements. Includes new roofs and doors, better exterior lighting, remodeled student bathrooms and resurfaced parking lots.

COST: 0.5 mills for 10 years, or about $30 a year for the owner of a $120,000 home. However, due to district refinancing of existing debt, that homeowner would actually pay $3 less per year in taxes, officials say.

DETAILS: District information

STORY: Approval of Sinking Fund Would Allow Facility Repairs

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Kent County Ballot Proposals

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Charles Honey
Charles Honey
Charles Honey is editor-in-chief of SNN, and covers series and issues stories for all districts. As a reporter for The Grand Rapids Press/mLive from 1985 to 2009, his beats included Grand Rapids Public Schools, local colleges and education issues. Honey served as editor of The Press’ award-winning Religion section for 15 years and its columnist for 20. His freelance articles have appeared in Christianity Today, Religion News Service and Faith & Leadership magazine. Read Charles' full bio

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