Lake Orion Community Schools Residents Vote on $25.5M Bond Today

Residents of Lake Orion Community Schools, which serves the northwestern corner of Oakland Township, are voting today on a $25.5 million bond that would provide the money the district needs to improve technology and security, repair buildings and purchase buses for the district.

The revised bond proposal would raise residents' mill tax by 1.6 mills. That translates to $160 per year for a resident whose home would sell for $200,000.

"I do have two children that go to Lake Orion schools," said Jeff Fosnaugh, who teaches in Rochester. "I know the importance of technology."

Fosnaugh, who ardently supports the bond, says he understands the need for security in the schools and says repaying the bond is "a pittance compared to what most people spend needlessly every year buying clothes, eating out, or even not researching the best price for things."

He added, "I feel we should be preparing our children for their future, not our past."

The bond election, which would normally take place in May, is being held today to lock in a much lower interest rate, which is based on a five-year average of taxable values. Additionally, the original proposal would have increased the mill rate by 1.75 mills with a bond repayment term of 25 years, whereas the new proposal will increase the mill rate by 1.6 mills with a bond repayment term of 18 years.

According to the district, the money from the bond would be used for:

Safety and Security

• Providing a security entry point to schools
• Upgrading to a video monitoring system
• Replacing internal communications systems

Building Refurbishing

• Refurbishing bathroom facilities
• Upgrading mechanical systems, lighting and HVAC systems
• Roof refurbishing or replacement, if necessary

Technology

• Install a technology infrastructure
• Update and improve classroom technology
• Install wireless capability
• Update current hardware
• Create interactive classrooms through technology

Buses and transportation

Currently, 32 percent of the district's fleet is older than 10 years, and the mission of the district, according to its website, is "to provide safe transportation to and from school for all learners." The mill would encourage the bus replacement process where old buses are rotated out after 10 years.

"My daughter's bus broke down in December with her on it," Fosnaugh said.

The improvements do not come without a cost, however, and some feel that cost may be too high.

"The (Michigan) Taxpayers Alliance basically says all this stuff will be outdated by the time we are done paying for it," said Fosnaugh, "but their solution is to continue using technology and buses which are already outdated. What is the logic behind that?"

The polls are open from 7 a.m.-8 p.m. today. To find your polling place, click here.

For more information, visit www.lakeorion.k12.mi.us, or contact Lake Orion Community Schools Assistant Superintendent Jillynn Keppler at 248-693-5400.