TCAPS Board of Education Discuss Pre-Bond Planning
The Traverse City Area Public Schools Board of Education held a retreat on August 16 to discuss pre-bond planning work related to the strategic plan. The Board reviewed data provided by the experts hired to complete this work. The meeting was facilitated by Marianne Swank of Northwest Education Services.
The Request for Proposal for pre-bond planning services was issued in November, 2022 and the Board of Education hired Diekema Hamann and Miller Davis in January, 2023. This work included programming assessments, condition assessments, and community outreach. TCAPS Board of Education President Scott Newman-Bale stated,“The Board of Education appreciates the community, parents, staff, and student participation in the survey opportunities which resulted in over 2,000 responses. It will help our Board to make an informed decision in a fiscally responsible manner.”
The District’s general operating funds are distributed by the State of Michigan on a per pupil funding allocation. A portion of these dollars are collected through non-homestead property taxes and the difference is subsidized by the State. The District’s operating budget has been approximately $100 million annually. The majority of these funds (86%) are needed for staff compensation. Since the limited amount remaining is not enough to operate the district’s $400 million in assets, the Board must consider a potential capital bond proposal which requires a vote by the tax paying community.
Currently, the District levies a debt millage rate of 3.1, which is lower than most Districts across the state. One outcome of the retreat prioritized the importance of continuing with this rate as supported by the survey results. The community has supported and the District has responsibly managed this millage rate for over 20 years. Another outcome of the retreat confirmed the upcoming bond proposal will include Central Grade school.
The TCAPS Board of Education plans to reconvene in late October for a second work session. Should the Board agree to move forward, a decision on a bond proposal may occur in January 2024.