Citizens for KPS

On Tuesday, May 4, 2010, voters in Kalamazoo Public Schools will be asked to vote on a bond issue to update the district’s buildings and equipment.

What is on the ballot?

Kalamazoo Public Schools is asking for a $62,160,000 bond issue. This bond issue provides funds to update the district’s buildings and equipment, expand Hillside Middle School and Milwood Middle Magnet School to provide adequate space for projected enrollment levels, and substantially replace Washington Writers’ Academy.

Will this result in a tax increase?

No. The bond repayment schedule assumes the same millage rate as taxpayers are paying for the 2009-10 fiscal year.

What would be the impact to Kalamazoo Public Schools if this bond question does not pass?

Most of the projects funded by these bonds are basic needs, such as roofs, boilers, technology, and buses. If this bond question does not pass, many of these projects would still need to be addressed, which would crowd out funds presently being used for educational services to students.

Why are Hillside Middle School and Milwood Middle Magnet School being recommended for expansion?

Kalamazoo Public Schools continues to be a growing school district. In fact, the district grew by 381 students for 2009-10 alone, and has grown by approximately 1,800 students since the beginning of the Kalamazoo Promise in November of 2005. This growth is projected to continue, and there isn’t adequate space at the middle school level to accommodate the growth. Expansion is required.

Why is Washington Writers’ Academy being recommended for substantial replacement?

Kalamazoo Public Schools retained Tower Pinkster, a local architectural and engineering firm, to perform an assessment of the district’s facilities. That assessment pointed out that Washington Writers’ Academy was in the greatest need of replacement. The higher quality portions of the existing building will remain to decrease cost to the taxpayer.

How much would this request cost the taxpayer?

Since it is a renewal, it would not cause an increase in rates. A defeat of this proposal would result in a decrease in taxes of $36 annually, or 10¢ per day, for the typical homeowner (house with a taxable market value of $100,000.)

When is the last day to register to vote?

The last day to register to vote in this election is April 5, 2010.

How can I find out where I vote?

You can find out where you vote by contacting the Clerk’s office in the city or township in which you reside. For KPS voters, these offices are as follows:

City of Kalamazoo: 337-8793
Oshtemo Township: 216-5224
Kalamazoo Township: 381-8080
Texas Township: 978-0710

Can I vote by absentee ballot?

A person can vote absentee if he or she:

• Expects to be absent from the community in which he or she is registered for the entire time the polls are open on election day.
• Is physically unable to attend the polls without the assistance of another.
• Cannot attend the polls because of the tenets of his or her religion.
• Has been appointed an election precinct inspector in a precinct other than the precinct where he or she resides.
• Is 60 years of age or older.
• Is confined to jail awaiting arraignment or trial.

Absentee ballots must be requested from the City or Township Clerk where you reside.

Please vote in this election. The polls will be open from 7:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M. on Tuesday, May 4, 2010.