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Bay City Schools Seeks $32 Million Bond to Modernize Buildings and Tech

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  Published in Science and Technology on Wednesday, November 12th 2025 at 14:41 GMT by MLive

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Bay City Schools’ Ambitious Bond Proposal Aims to Modernize Facilities and Boost Technology

In an effort to bring its aging school buildings up to contemporary standards and equip students with the digital tools they need, the Bay City School District (BCSD) has unveiled a comprehensive bond proposal that will be up for a public vote in the November 2025 elections. The plan, detailed in a recent MLive article, sets out a multi‑million‑dollar blueprint for renovations, technology upgrades, and safety improvements across the district’s nine schools.

Why a Bond is Needed

The district’s current infrastructure is a patchwork of facilities built in the 1950s through the 1990s. According to the school board’s Facilities Management Report (link in the article to the district’s annual report), many buildings suffer from outdated HVAC systems, inadequate wiring, and crumbling roofing. “We’re operating in a climate where students expect interactive, flexible learning spaces,” said Superintendent Dr. Lisa Hernandez. “The physical environment directly impacts academic performance.”

In addition to the structural concerns, the district’s technology infrastructure is in dire need of overhaul. While the district boasts a 1:1 student‑device ratio, most devices are older, and the network bandwidth is insufficient for modern cloud‑based learning platforms. The board’s recent survey of teachers highlighted the need for updated computer labs, classroom Wi‑Fi hotspots, and advanced STEM equipment.

The bond proposal is also motivated by a broader vision for safety and inclusivity. “We want classrooms that are secure, accessible, and prepared for future emergencies,” said Board Chair Tom Rizzo. “That means new security cameras, improved emergency communication systems, and ramps and elevators that meet ADA standards.”

The Bond Package

Total Amount: The proposed bond is slated to raise $32 million. The figure is drawn from a detailed cost‑analysis conducted by the district’s Facilities Planning Committee in partnership with a local engineering firm. The bond’s allocation is broken down as follows:

The bond will be funded through a mill levy on local property taxes, similar to previous successful measures in 2015 and 2010. The article linked to the Michigan Department of Education’s “School Facilities Improvement Grant” guidelines, noting that the district will seek matching funds from state and federal sources to supplement the bond proceeds.

Key Projects and Schools

The plan prioritizes the district’s largest and most overcrowded schools. The most detailed portion of the proposal concerns:

• E.S. Clark High School – A complete overhaul of the science wing, new state‑of‑the‑art laboratory spaces, and an upgraded auditorium to serve both educational and community events.
• William M. K. Middle School – Expansion of the middle school’s computer lab and installation of interactive smart boards in each classroom.
• Bay City Elementary – Replacement of outdated heating systems and installation of new, child‑friendly Wi‑Fi hotspots.

The article provided a timeline indicating that construction would commence in early 2026, with major renovations phased to minimize disruption to classes.

Community Response

The bond’s announcement was met with a mix of optimism and caution. A local parent association meeting, referenced in the article, highlighted concerns about the potential rise in property taxes. However, many parents applauded the district’s transparency in sharing a detailed budget and projected timelines. “We have seen how a bond in 2015 transformed our elementary schools,” said Maria Lopez, president of the Bay City Parents‑Teachers Association. “I think this next step is necessary for our high schools, which are the real bottlenecks.”

Students themselves participated in a virtual town hall where they articulated the need for modern labs and safe learning environments. The board noted that the student input was instrumental in shaping the “Technology” component of the bond.

The Vote Ahead

The bond will be placed on the ballot for the November 2025 general election, a process that will follow the district’s standard procedures. According to the Michigan Department of Education’s election guidelines (link in the article), the bond must secure a two‑thirds majority of the votes cast to pass. The board has scheduled a series of public forums and informational sessions across town to educate voters about the bond’s benefits and impact.

The article also provided a link to the Bay City School District’s official bond information page, where residents can download the full proposal, cost breakdown, and projections for the impact on their property taxes. The district has committed to regular updates, including quarterly reports on bond fund usage and progress reports on construction milestones.

Looking Forward

If approved, the bond would mark the most significant infrastructure investment in Bay City Schools in over a decade. The district hopes that the modernized facilities will not only improve academic outcomes but also attract new families to the area, thereby boosting the local economy.

The MLive piece concluded with a note that the bond’s success would depend on community support and transparent governance. It encouraged residents to review the detailed proposal—available on the district’s website—and to participate in the upcoming public meetings.

In summary, the Bay City School District’s bond proposal is a bold step toward addressing pressing infrastructure challenges, bringing technology up to par, and ensuring a safe, inclusive learning environment for the district’s students. Whether the voters choose to endorse this plan will shape the district’s trajectory for the next decade.