School Bond Proposal Language

“Shall Pine River Area Schools, Osceola, Lake and Wexford Counties, Michigan, borrow the sum of not to exceed Four Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($4,500,000) and issue its general obligation unlimited tax bonds therefor, for the purpose of: remodeling, equipping, and re-equipping school buildings, including for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning improvements; acquiring, installing, equipping, and re-equipping school buildings for instructional technology; and developing, improving, and equipping athletic facilities and the middle/high school site, including a wastewater treatment system replacement?”

This is an image of two students walking in graduation cap and gown attire. One gown is white the other is green

BOND DETAILS

Bond Amount: $4.5M

Bond Cost to Taxpayers: This is a zero increase

bond. The school millage/tax rate stays the same!

Needs Fulfilled by Bond Passage: New waste-

water system; updated HVAC & electrical panels;

instructional technology for students, teachers,

paraprofessionals; and upgraded safety & security

measures.

Voting Locations and Hours

IN PERSON VOTING in the location where you  normally vote in local, state, and national elections. In person voting is open Tuesday, August 6  from 7AM - 8PM. 

Voter Registration

You may register to vote at a Secretary of  State’s office or local township Clerk’s Office.

Absentee Ballots

Absentee Ballots will be available at your local  township Clerk’s Office beginning June 27th

Your Vote Count Graphic with the school building exterior present behind it

This is a QR code that one can scan

For Further Information

Please Contact:

Michelle Gill, Superintendent

Phone: (231) 829-3841

Email: michelle.gill@pineriver.org

"Pine River Area Schools Bond Election Information"

Don’t forget to voteBY:

Tuesday, August 6, 2024

ZERO MILL INCREASE

(from the current levy)

"Instilling Pride One Student as a Time" wording. With a picture of three kids smiling at the camera and one holding a folded american flag.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2024 ZERO MILL INCREASE PROPOSAL FOR HEALTH, SAFETY, SECURITY & INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNOLOGY

This is an image of a teacher talking to students behind a desk and working with them.

PINE RIVER ELEMENTARY

  • Replace gym HVAC to improve air quality

  • Update instructional technology for students

  • Replace classroom doors and hardware

  • Replace outdated electrical panels

This is a group of students that are various ages smiling and looking at the camera.

This is an image of Middle School and Highschool student from Pine River smiling at the camera

PINE RIVER MIDDLE AND HIGH SCHOOL

  • Replace the original, nearly 60-year-old wastewater treatment system

  • Update instructional technology for students

  • Install door access controls at exterior door locations for improved safety and security

  • Complete building HVAC system controls for energy efficiency

  • Renovate restrooms including plumbing, fixtures, partitions, flooring, and ventilation

  • Replace High School locker room HVAC to improve air quality

  • Replace shop HVAC to improve air quality

  • Replace classroom heating units

  • Replace outdated electrical panels

What does it cost me?

Since this bond proposal would keep the tax rate the same as the current levy, this is a "ZERO MILL" increase from the current levy. Passing the bond will not increase your tax rate from the current levy.

This is a graphic outlining the things that the Bond Cannot be used for: general operating expenses and maintenance,  classroom textbooks or educational material, Administration, professional or support staff benefits, salaries and/ or wages

Why Should We Do This Now?

Recently, pipes in the wastewater lagoon have broken and become displaced. With the mild winter this year, we did not have any problems. However, we are at risk of it not functioning at any time and if that happens, we cannot have school or sports onsite for grades 4 - 12.

NO SEPTIC = NO SCHOOL!

It is imperative for this to be fixed as soon as possible.

Previous bond funds paid for the fencing around the lagoon and for a service road to the lagoon. Since this wastewater lagoon was never originally permitted, the cost to have it fixed means it has to be completely re-done. The high price tag for the fix can only be funded through a bond since our budget can't afford the fix.

We have the opportunity NOW to have a zero increase bond to take care of this issue for good. Please help us get this done so we can focus on the education of our wonderful students. Thank you.

This is an ariel view of the school grounds. In this image it is outlining the Lagon.

VOTE BY Tuesday, August 6th from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Vote in the location where you normally vote in local, state, and national elections.