The Dexter Leader
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Answering questions on the bond
By Evelynn Shirk
PUBLISHED: March 20, 2008
On Tuesday, May 6, 2008 residents of the Dexter Community School District will be asked to approve a $47,890,000 bond proposal.
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Why did the Dexter Board of Education choose a bond to fund projects throughout the District? Of the three taxing options considered by the Board, a bond provided the greatest flexibility in the use of the money and did not increase the current debt levy of 8.5 mills. A sinking fund or a recreational millage would have added an additional tax levy.Dexter has traditionally chosen bonds as the method to finance renovation and building projects because these projects are too costly to fund from the general operating budget which pays for the day to day operation of the District. In the past, Dexter voters have approved bond proposals on an average of every five years. It has now been 10 years since the last bond proposal was placed on a ballot.
Is Dexter the only school district that funds similar projects in this manner?
No. Most schools throughout the state address infrastructure projects by asking voters to approve a bond proposal or a sinking fund. Ann Arbor, Chelsea, Lincoln, Manchester, Milan, Saline, Ypsilanti, Whitmore Lake and Willow Run, all districts in Washtenaw County, currently have long-term debt which has been financed by bonds and loans from the school bond loan fund. Some schools also have a sinking fund. In August 2007, Ypsilanti passed a $49-million bond proposal to complete projects similar to those outlined in Dexter's proposal.The Dexter 2008 bond proposal contains many infrastructure projects. To be good stewards of public funds, the Board believes it is better to address the needs now rather than risk potential extensive damage and greater expense in the future.
Where can I get information about the bond proposal?
A Web site containing information about the 2008 bond proposal can be accessed at www.dexter.k12.mi.us and then clicking on the Dexter Bond Website link. If you are unable to access the internet, bond information is also available in the Superintendent's Office in the Copeland Administration Building.
Community Forums will be conducted by District personnel on March 27 and April 10 at 7 p.m. in the cafeteria at Creekside Intermediate School to explain the components of the bond and to answer questions.
Please plan to attend one of these Forums so that you can make an informed vote on May 6.
Evelynn Shirk is the superintendent of Dexter Community Schools.
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