Bond Proposal Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) and Answers
When is the bond proposal election?
Tuesday, February 24, 2015. The polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. in your normal voting precincts, with the exception that Marion Township residents will be voting in Brant Township.
What will be on the ballot?
St. Charles residents will vote on a 1.5 mill bond proposal.
Why is this bond proposal needed?
All St. Charles buildings and facilities are more than or approaching a half-century old. There have been additions to the main buildings throughout the years but the main structures are aging. Ten years ago, we placed funds into consolidating our elementary buildings but the rest of our schools are old and in need of upgrades/repairs. Also, we are in need of upgrades in technology to offer a 21st Century Education along with college and career readiness to our students. This bond proposal request, is the part of a long-term plan that will assure that student safety is a priority, that the learning environment is 21st Century, that our facilities are current, and our students/community will be competitive with our neighboring districts/communities for the next 15-20 years.
What projects/additions will be completed?
Here is a summary of themajor work that will take place across the school district.
Overview of projects:
- Improve Safety and Security
- Hallway cameras installed
- Expand door access control
- Expand video surveillance
- Create 21st Learning Environments
- Upgrade classroom technology
- One to one initiative at HS and MS (student computers)
- Improve wireless connection
- Update current computer labs
- Purchase mobile labs for elementary
- Project Based Learning Labs
- Building and Grounds
- Increase energy efficiency
- Replace some original exterior doors
- Upgrade lighting
- Address aging facilities
- Bus purchase (2)
- Upgrade cracks to walls in gym
- Upgrade to athletic fields
- Address Drainage Issues
- Expand restrooms
- Install septic for restrooms
- Upgrade fencing at athletic facility
- Community Center
- Welcome Center Open to Seniors/Stakeholders
- Community Classroom
- New Performance Gymnasium
- Personal Fitness Lab
- Locker Rooms
- Concession Stand
- Office for Community Education Director
Is the district planning to use any funds to build any new schools?
No, the proposed bond would upgrade our current facilities but would include building a new Community Center, attached to the existing high school. This would include:
- Community Welcome Center
- Community classroom
- Personal fitness lab (open to community in the evening)
- New performance gymnasium (the current gym would also be available to the community as an auxiliary gym)
- Two locker rooms
- Office for Community education Supervisor
- Concession stand
What will the bond proposal cost to stakeholders?
If voters approve the bond proposal, there will be a 1.5 mill increase in thecurrent tax rate. This amounts to $75.20 per year ($6.27 per month and $.21 per day) for a person living in a home with a state equalized value of $50,000 and a home valuation of $100,000. There is an expanded chart available on the Bond Proposal presentation on the St. Charles Community Schools website at and clicking “Bond Proposal Information”.
What happened to the bond that was approved in 2004?
Ten years ago, the 2004 approved bond proposal was used to consolidate elementary schools, improve facilities at St. Charles Elementary, refurnishing equipment, playground equipment,roofs, some restrooms, replacement of some windows, some boilers, and upgrade technology district wide. This was our last major upgrade in technology due to the economic downturn in 2005/06 which resulted in a decrease in state aid for instruction and supplies.
Can any of the bond revenue be used for employee salaries and benefits?
No. Pursuant to State law, expenditure of bond proceeds must be audited, and the proceeds cannot be used for teacher, administrator or employee salaries, or other operating expenses.
How have other school districts addressed their facility/transportation needs?
Most districts in Michigan have addressed facility and transportation needswith a bond proposal or a sinking fund (some districts have lower debt due to a larger tax base). Listed below is the district comparison for Saginaw County:
District Levy Debt Millages
Merrill7.83
Carrollton7.5
Swan Valley7.0
Chesaning5.6
Saginaw City5.3
Bridgeport5.02
Birch Run4.95 (Outlet Mall)
Hemlock 3.64 (Dow Corning Semi-conductor)
Freeland3.2 (Airport and prison)
Frankenmuth3.1 (high valuation for hotels and restaurants)
St. Charles3.0
Saginaw Twp.2.8 (large business district)
Will St. Charles Community Schools have additional needs in the future?
The February 24th bond proposal is designed to upgrade school/community centerfacilities for the next 15-20 years. The school district will engage citizens todetermine if the passage of time, state mandates and requirements, and/or changes to delivery of instruction has led to additional needs that should beaddressed.
What question will voters be asked on the February 24th ballot?
BONDING PROPOSAL
Shall St. Charles Community Schools, Saginaw County, Michigan, borrow the sum of not to exceed Five Million Six Hundred Forty-Five Thousand Dollars ($5,645,000) and issue its general obligation unlimited tax bonds therefor, for the purpose of:
erecting, furnishing, and equipping an addition to the high school; remodeling, furnishing and refurnishing, and equipping and re-equipping school buildings and facilities; acquiring and installing instructional technology in school buildings; purchasing school buses; and preparing, developing, improving, and equipping playgrounds, athletic fields, and sites?
YesNo
Who can vote in this bond proposal election?
Anyone who is a resident of St. Charles Community Schools, will be 18 years of ageor older on Election Day, and is registered to vote by January 26, 2015.
Where can I register to vote?
You can register to vote at any Secretary of State office or at the Township Clerk’s officewhere you reside. You can download a voter registration application at
Do I need to update my voter registration?
You need to update your voter registration if you have changed your name oraddress since the last time you voted. You can do this at any Secretary of State officeor at the Clerk’s office where you reside.
Where do I vote?
You will vote at your regular school district precinct. If you are unsure of yourprecinct, you may contact the clerk’s office at or 989-790-5251.
Can I vote by absentee ballot?
Yes, registered voters can vote by absentee ballot if they meet one of the followingrequirements:
- They expect to be out of town on Election Day
- They are 60 years of age or older
- They are unable to vote without assistance at the polls
- Theycannot attend the polls due to religious reasons
Absentee ballot applications can be picked up at the Clerk’s Office where you reside. (You can complete your application and vote in one stop.The whole process takes less than five minutes.) The County Clerk will mail absentee ballot applications to residents on thepermanent absentee voter list in January.
Where can I get more information about the bond proposal?
Go to the St. Charles Community Schools website at and click on “Bond Proposal Information”; a slide presentation is available for your review. Or, contact Superintendent Michael Deckerat (989) 295-1046 or email .