Portage Public Schools is seeking a no-increase renewal of its Building and Site Sinking Fund at the August election.
The approximate 0.5 mill tax (0.4983 mills), which has been renewed by the community consistently for 60 years, provides specific dollars for repairs, mechanical upgrades, security and more within the District.
The BSSF would generate more than $1.6 million annually to support the Expectation of Excellence our community has for Portage Public Schools. The tax is a pay-as-you-go system that means the District does not have to borrow money or pay interest for these projects, or use General Fund dollars that would otherwise be used in the classroom to support students and teachers.
School Districts are allowed to ask voters to approve up to 3 mills for up to a 10-year period. PPS is asking for a renewal through 2029 at the Aug. 6, 2024, election.
“This fund is crucial to the upkeep of our facilities, safety and security for students and staff and necessary mechanical repairs to our school buildings,” said Assistant Superintendent of Operations Johnny Edwards. “And this fund allows us to make those improvements without taking from General Fund dollars that are used for teacher salaries and educational support for students in the schools.”
This summer, community members will see improvements happening at a number of PPS schools, including construction of a new roof at 12th Street Elementary and installation of new signage at Lake Center Elementary. These projects are made possible by the Building and Site Sinking Fund.
Principal Darryl Blasingame from 12th Street Elementary said his staff, students and their families are fortunate to return to a better school this fall thanks to the Building and Site Sinking Fund.
“I urge you all to please head out and vote this August,” he said. “The Building and Site Sinking Fund ensures that all of our school buildings are operating at their highest capacity in order to provide a safe learning environment for staff, students and our community when they come inside.”
In the past, these dollars have been used for repairs and improvements of our buildings such as:
Secure entrances at elementary schools
Parking lot and bus loop improvements
Roof repairs and replacements
Sidewalk and concrete installation and repair
Electrical and mechanical upgrades and repair
Window replacements
Boilers
Other renovations and repairs
To find your polling location, read specific ballot language or for information on early or absentee voting, please visit www.portagemi.gov.