On Nov. 7, voters in the GHAPS district will go to the polls to decide whether or not to approve the district’s request for two bonds—one for $118.3 million and a second for $28.7 million. The first bond includes a new middle school and upgrades to all buildings to increase security. The second bond includes the creation of a new multipurpose building at the high school and upgrades to various aspects of the performing arts programs. Here is The Blade’s guide to the ballot issue.
GHAPS Bond Proposal – The Facts
What will happen?
The two bond proposals will be voted on by Grand Haven community members. If both pass, the district will receive a total of $146,975,000 to go towards district-wide improvements, including a new middle school building and security advancements to all buildings. Passing either bond will raise the millage rate, meaning taxes will go up.
What is the difference between the two proposals? What sets them apart from the original proposal?
The two bonds are a split version of the proposal from May with the first bond specifically tackling a new middle school and upgrades to all buildings to increase security while the second bond covers the creation of a new multipurpose building at the high school and upgrades to various aspects of the performing arts programs.
Who’s affected?
The students and staff of the GHAPS district are the most widely impacted, though the community as a whole would feel the ripple effect of the district changes.
When will this occur?
The vote takes place on Nov. 7. If approved, construction on the new middle school will take place starting in 2024 with an estimated finish date sometime in 2026. The other planned improvements in the district would also take place at this time.
Where will the new building be located?
The new middle school will be built on Lincoln and 152nd in Grand Haven although all GHAPS buildings will receive updates in some way. If voters decide to pass the first bond, bussing schedules will eventually be altered for the new location, however, they will not change if only proposal 2 or neither pass.
Bond Proposal FAQ
Why would voters want this?
Supporters say the new middle school is needed and investments in schools could help increase the quality of education for students and help maintain property values while placing no increased financial burden on residents. In addition, the bond will bring needed facilities and technology upgrades that will keep GHAPS in line with neighboring districts.
Why might voters object?
Concerns have been addressed about whether a new middle school is actually needed or if the current building could be renovated for less cost. Critics* have also expressed concerns over money management in the district following the recent embezzlement issues and also wonder if all of the upgrades are truly necessary.
What does this mean for the average resident?
Because the initial bond vote failed in May, the millage rate for Grand Haven was lowered. If one or both of these bonds pass, the millage will rise back to the level it was prior to the May 2 vote. Given that proposal one is significantly larger, the millage rate would increase more if only proposal one gets passed compared to if only proposal two gets passed.
What happens if only one proposal passes?
Since the two proposals are separated, one can fail while the other gets implemented. This means that should the first proposal pass but the second proposal fail, all of the plans detailed in the proposal that passes would be enacted. In the case that one passes but two doesn’t, the funds would go towards the new middle school but the auxiliary building at the high school wouldn’t get built.
Why can’t Lakeshore Middle School be renovated?
Many critics* wonder why the current school can not be renovated. According to Grimes, Lakeshore is now 70 years old, the oldest of any GHAPS facility. Grimes said it needs significant renovations that would cost as much as 70% of the estimated cost of the new building. Grimes also noted the logistical issue of where to house current students during a multi-year renovation of the building.
Why should the current community care? The current students won’t receive the benefits of the new school so why would they pay for it?
This is an investment for the safety of all GHAPS students. There will also be noticeable benefits from the improvements to events such as concerts and sports games which can be attended by anyone.
Couldn’t we just absorb the current middle school students into the Intermediate and Elementary schools?
It will only change where the overcrowding occurs. 5th grade was moved to White Pines to solve the issue of overcrowding at the elementary level. Removing the space Lakeshore provides would immediately overcrowd any other buildings that students get moved to.
Why is the new location, the new location?
GHAPS bought the property years ago and it is close to the population center of the district. With a significant portion of GHAPS students living in Grand Haven and Robinson townships, it is beneficial to have a more centrally-located building.
For those wishing to find out more information about the bond proposals, visit the ghaps.org website.
*The Bucs’ Blade reached out to the authors of a Substack publication that criticized the bond proposal, but did not receive a response.
