When is the election?

Election day is Tuesday, November 4, 2025. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. Absentee ballots will be available after September 25, 2025.

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What is the bond proposal on the ballot?

A bond proposal that, if approved, will maintain the current tax rate – so no estimated tax rate increase for the 2025 tax levy over the 2024 tax levy – to help enhance safety and security, address infrastructure needs, improve learning environments, and update athletic facilities.

 

What type of projects will the bond proposal include?

Projects include: New secure entrance at the High School, addressing ADA compliance where necessary, adding security film at the main building entrances, select roof repair at the elementary, middle school, and high school buildings, updating electrical distribution at the middle school, updating existing HVAC system, installing a hardscape surface on the middle school internal courtyard, updating restroom plumbing, finishes and lighting at the high school, district-wide select door replacement, replacing science lab exhaust fans.

 

Updating and remodeling high school locker rooms, updating restroom plumbing, finishes and lighting, new ADA accessible ticket booth & concessions at the stadium, resurfacing the existing running and track and field event area, new stadium entry plaza with fencing and gate, new team room building at stadium.

 

How was the bond proposal developed?

The district conducted facilities needs assessment to understand and outline the needs of the buildings in the district. The district reviewed the facility assessment to develop and prioritize projects.

 

How will the bond proposal impact my taxes?

The bond is designed so that there will not be a change to the estimated 2025 tax rate compared to the 2024 tax rate. Meaning, the tax rate you paid in 2024, 7.5 mills for the current debt is expected to remain the same in 2025 if the bond proposal is approved.

 

If the bond passes, what can the money be spent on?

The bond money can only be spent on what the ballot language says. State law also limits what bond money can be spent on. It CANNOT be spent on salaries, bonuses, operating expenses or routine maintenance etc. Expenditures of bond money, by law, is limited to projects like school infrastructure, new construction, renovations, school buses and technology needs. State law also requires an independent audit of the dollars spent from a bond program.

 

Can the bond money be used for salaries or day-to-day operating expenses?

No. The law is very specific on what bond money can and cannot be spent on. Employee salaries, or operating expenses are not allowed.

 

How does the district expect to complete this bond proposal without increasing last year’s bond millage rate of 7.5 mills (i.e. the 2024 rate)?

Each year the bond millage rate is recalculated based upon the school district's new taxable value figure and the bond payments required in the upcoming year. Due to repaying prior outstanding bonds along with taxable value growth, it is estimated that the bond millage rate required to pay the existing bond payments will decline, allowing this proposal to be funded without having to increase last year’s bond millage rate of 7.5 (i.e. the 2024 rate) to satisfy the new bonds.

 

Are businesses and second homes (non-homestead) and primary homes (homestead) treated the same regarding bond millage?

Yes, businesses and second homes (non-homestead) and primary homes (homestead) are treated the same regarding bond millage.

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Who can vote in this bond proposal election?

All residents of  Hesperia Community Schools who will be 18 years old or older on Election Day (November 4, 2025) and are registered to vote, may vote in this election. Per Michigan Law, you can register to vote on election day at your local clerk’s office.

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Where can I get information about voting in Michigan?

A great resource is the Michigan Secretary of State’s website, www.michigan.gov/vote or you can contact your local clerk’s office.

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I will be out of town, can I vote absentee?

Yes, under Michigan law, you can vote by absentee ballot for any reason. You can request an absentee ballot from your local clerk’s office or visiting the Michigan Secretary of State’s website and clicking on “Absentee Voting”. Absentee ballots will be available by September 20th for the public and you can mail, drop it off at your clerk’s office or their secure drop box. 

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What does the ballot language look like?​​​​​​