Hart to ask voters to maintain tax rate for district improvements 

Continuing the tax rate for two years would generate about $11 million.

Pirate News is a presentation of Hart Public Schools in partnership with Oceana County Press. 

By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor 

HART — Hart Public Schools officials are planning to ask voters in May to approve a proposal that would continue the district’s bond levy for two more years, generating about $11 million at no additional cost to the taxpayers.

“We are in the infancy stages of this topic,” said Superintendent Mark Platt. “Right now, we have an opportunity to generate money without increasing the millage rate. That’s a rare opportunity. We do not have a plan to increase the tax rate — our plan is to maintain the tax rate.

“We’re looking to keep our current bond levy the same for two more years.” The current millage rate is 4.49 mills, which includes the 2015 bond and the previous bond from many years ago. “We’re able to generate roughly $11 million. It’s an opportunity to keep the levy the same but generate additional money. Our plan is to be on the May ballot.

“We understand that the economy is a little tough right now, so I am not interested in seeking an increase of any kind.

“What we’re trying to do now is get some public input into what upgrades people would like to see.” The district has hosted community forums to gain insight and plans to host more. “We’ve sought some staff input as well.

“We’re working with the same group of people that helped us back in 2015 — same two firms, same two people actually.”

Voters passed a bond issue in May of 2015 for $15.8 million in improvements to the district, which involved major renovations to the high school.

A proposed improvement area is the east side of the Spitler Elementary School, which is about 55 years old. “It’s the oldest part of the district — it hasn’t had a remodel, it’s kind of vintage. The lights are so old, you can’t get replacement parts.” 

Another area on the campus being eyed for upgrades is the Diman-Wolf Early Childhood Center, which is also 50-plus years old. The building was initially built for instructing upper elementary students, but now it is utilized for 3- and 4-year-olds, said Platt.

A big area of improvement would likely focus on the football stadium. “We have an ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) compliance issue out there,” he said. Even though the stadium was built in 1984 or 85, those bleachers are older.” The bleachers used to be in John Gurney Park located by Hart Lake and were repurposed for use at the stadium. Platt said he is not sure exactly how old they are. “If you are someone who has a harder time getting around, those bleachers are not user-friendly. Somebody should be able to get into the bleachers with the use of a wheelchair, and our bleachers are so old, you can’t do that. The visitor side is more up-to-date, but the home side is grandfathered in.” A steep hill at the entrance also needs to be excavated to create a more gradual slope.

The concession stand at the stadium is also in dire need of renovations. “The bathrooms have only two stalls. If you’re someone who has an ADA issue, it’s not very convenient. We have some issues out there people are saying that really need to be addressed, and I happen to agree with them.”

The stadium not only is the home turf for the football teams, but it is also the venue for track meets. If the concession stand and restrooms are renovated, the district would likely consider moving the soccer games there. Right now, soccer games are played on the soccer field west of the middle school. Then, the baseball and softball diamonds located south of the high school would be moved to the present soccer field. “The hope is that we could make some decisions that would have long term impacts and provide easier access for folks.” There is also an idea to create a parking lot closer to the stadium specifically for senior citizens and those with physical challenges. 

With a six-lane track, the Pirates are prevented from hosting many track competitions. An eight-lane track is needed. “Our track situation is so small, we can’t host regional meets; we can’t host invitationals; we really can’t host jamborees. You would think that the most successful running school in the State of Michigan history would be able to host meets.”

The Pirate track and cross country teams have captured a combined 10 state titles in the last seven years with the girl’s track squad gaining its third straight Division 3 state title last season.

Safety and security upgrades are another area being examined as needed improvements.

“At some point in the next month or so, we will have to make some decisions about the scope of the project.

“We know that we have been good stewards of the facilities that the community has been gracious enough to support, and there are some areas that simply need some attention.”

_______________________

Please Support Local News

Receive daily MCP and OCP news briefings along with email news alerts for $10 a month. Your contribution will help us to continue to provide you with free local news.

The easiest way is to sign up for an automatic monthly payment on Paypal. Click this link.

Alternative methods:
We can send you an invoice for a yearly payment of $120, which you can conveniently pay online or by check. If you are interested in this method, please email editor@mediagroup31.com and we can sign you up. You can also mail a yearly check for $120 to Media Group 31, PO Box 21, Scottville, MI 49454 (please include your email address).
We appreciate all our readers regardless of whether they choose to continue to access our service for free or with a monthly financial support.
If you would like to support MCP/OCP but do not wish to receive daily emails, please consider sending a contribution to any of the above methods or pay by Venmo (@masoncountypress).

_____
This story and original photography are copyrighted © 2024, all rights reserved by Media Group 31, LLC, PO Box 21, Scottville, MI 49454. No portion of this story or images may be reproduced in any way, including print or broadcast, without expressed written consent.
As the services of Media Group 31, LLC are news services, the information posted within the sites are archivable for public record and historical posterity. For this reason it is the policy and practice of this company to not delete postings. It is the editor’s discretion to update or edit a story when/if new information becomes available. This may be done by editing the posted story or posting a new “follow-up” story. Media Group 31, LLC or any of its agents have the right to make any changes to this policy. Refer to Use Policy for more information.
Please consider helping to fund local news. Mason County Press and Oceana County Press are available for free thanks to the generous support of our advertisers and individuals. Three ways to help us: Venmo: @MasonCountyPress; Paypal: MasonCountyPress@gmail.com; Mail a check to PO BOX 21, Scottville, MI 49454.
fb.com/stars