Pentwater school asking voters to approve $7.59 million bond May 7

‘This proposal will be focusing on nothing more than keeping our students and staff warm, safe and secure.’

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor

PENTWATER — Pentwater school officials are hoping the “the third time’s a charm,” as the district seeks voter approval of a $7.59 million bond proposal, May 7, for critical school improvements. 

This is the third time the district has sought voter support for a bond proposal. Voters rejected two previous proposals in 2021‎ and 2022.

The previous proposals included new construction, but the current proposal is a scaled-back version with only improvements to the existing building. It is a 1.21 mill increase for a maximum of 17 years.

“Over the last couple bond proposals, we really listened to our tax payers,” said Pentwater Public School Superintendent and Principal Scott Karaptian. “They said they would support what we needed and not anything extra.” Previous proposals included construction of a new gym, running track and auditorium. Those projects have been eliminated from the current proposal.

The bond would fund a new front school entrance for added security; implementation of a new heating system; construction of a new roof; technology upgrades; and the addition of new flooring and furniture. 

The new entrance would channel visitors into the school office as opposed to walking directly into the school building as it is now.

“It’s been stripped to bare bones,” said Karaptian. “This proposal will be focusing on nothing more than keeping our students and staff warm, safe and secure. We heard our community members loud and clear in that they will support whatever is necessary to ensure that our doors stay open and our students and staff have a safe and warm learning environment, and this is what this school bond proposal is all about.”

It has been over 20 years since Pentwater voters approved a school bond issue, said Karaptian. 

Community input/informational meetings are scheduled for the following dates and locations:

• Tuesday, April 2, at 6:30 p.m., Pentwater Public School 
• Monday, April 8, at 7:30 p.m., Weare Township Hall
• Wednesday, April 10, at 6 p.m., Pentwater Township Hall
• Thursday, April 25, at 6 p.m., Pentwater Park Place 

For more information, visit the school website.

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