Grand Haven Area Public Schools voters have approved a $98.55 million bond measure aimed at renovating and expanding three elementary schools, along with funding new buses, technology, playgrounds, security upgrades and musical instruments across the district. The vote tally stood at 12,887 in favor to 10,202 opposed, according to unofficial results reported by the Ottawa County Clerk's Office.
The measure, reported by MLive, authorizes the district to issue general obligation unlimited tax bonds not to exceed $98,550,000, per ballot language from Grand Haven Area Public Schools. The district's ballot information also specifies that bond proceeds cannot be used for salaries or other operating expenses, and that bonds in any single series carry a maximum term of 25 years, excluding refunding. Expenditure of the proceeds must be audited, the district says.
Third Time's the Charm After Two Failed Attempts
This approval comes after voters rejected two separate bond attempts in 2023. That November, a two-part proposal seeking a combined $146 million over 20 years failed at the ballot box, the district's report notes. The larger piece, an $118.3 million measure, lost 7,353 to 5,829, while a smaller $28.6 million proposal fell 7,058 to 6,124, according to unofficial results covered by the same outlet. Months earlier, in May 2023, a 21-year, $155 million bond also failed, by a margin of 5,514 votes to 5,039.
The district says its planning process for this latest proposal began in 2024 and included nearly 200 community engagement opportunities. District survey results showed the strongest voter support landed on investments in buses, technology and musical instruments, followed by renovations to the elementary schools, the same materials indicate. Feedback also reflected a preference for renovations over new construction, alongside lingering concerns about taxes and economic uncertainty.
Ferry, Peach Plains and Rosy Mound Targeted for Major Work
The bond will fund renovations and expansions at Ferry, Peach Plains and Rosy Mound elementary schools, according to the district's report. School officials said those three buildings were prioritized because of building and enrollment needs — Rosy Mound is already at or near capacity, while Peach Plains is approaching capacity, per the district's FAQ page.
Beyond the three elementary schools, the bond will also fund playground, transportation, music, security and technology investments districtwide.
What It Means for Taxpayers and the Construction Timeline
Based on current conceptual plans, construction tied to the bond is expected to begin in 2028 and wrap up in 2032. The district estimates the initial debt levy in 2027 at 1.95 mills, or $1.95 per $1,000 of taxable value, with a simple average annual millage of 1.15 mills anticipated to retire the debt over time.
For a home with a market value of $308,000 and a taxable value of $154,000, the district estimates the bond would cost its owner about $300 more per year, or roughly $25 per month. Property owners with taxable values in the range of roughly $154,000 to $185,000 are estimated to pay an additional $25 to $30 per month, according to the district's figures.
