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By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor
HESPERIA — The majority of voters in the Hesperia Community Schools district said “yes” Tuesday, Nov. 4, to an $11.7 million bond issue for upgrades throughout the district, including adding a secure entrance to the high school, resurfacing the track and updates to the football stadium.
The bond passed with a vote of 527-494. Oceana County voters in the Newfield Township precinct voted favorably 346-339. In Newaygo County’s precincts, Beaver Township tallied 22 yes votes and 27 no votes, and Denver Township ballot casters voted in favor 159-128.
Voting precincts were consolidated, which resulted in voters from Oceana County’s Ferry, Greenwood, Leavitt and Newfield townships voting at the same location. Voters in Newaygo County’s Denver and Dayton townships cast their ballots at the same site. Newaygo County’s Beaver Township voters reported to their usual location.
The bond proposal is not expected to increase the current debt millage rate, said Hesperia Superintendent Bryan Mey. “We currently levy 7.5 mills for our bonded debt. This is an extension of our current term in the school bond loan fund. It’s an extension of six years from 2038 to 2044. It’s similar to refinancing your house if you have some equity, because you have a home improvement project that you need to do – like a new roof. It’s basically a mortgage refinance for bond debt.”
The last time voters approved a bond for district improvements was in 2008. A majority of the improvements would replace or repair 30-year-old facilities, said Mey.
Construction is expected to begin next summer with the majority of the work taking place in 2027.
Bond Overview
Improvements to Safety and Security
- New secure entrance at the high school
- Updating to address Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance
- Adding security film at main building entrances
- Select door replacements district-wide
Addressing Infrastructure and Learning Environments
- Select roof repairs at elementary, middle school and high school buildings
- Updating electrical distribution at middle school
- Updating existing HVAC system
- Replacing science lab exhaust fans
- Installing a hardscape surface on the internal courtyard at the middle school for an optional outdoor classroom
- Updating restroom plumbing, finishes and lighting at the high school
- Reconstructing the southeast parking lot
Athletic updates
- Updating and remodeling high school locker rooms
- Updating restroom plumbing, finishes and lighting
- Resurfacing the existing running track and field event area
- Updated football stadium entrance — restrooms, ADA accessible concessions, ADA accessible ticket booth, team room, paving and fencing
- Separate baseball and softball entrances — concessions, restroom, ticket booth and fencing.
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