Schools seek March $195 million bond proposal

Birmingham Public Schools Board of Education approved ballot language for a $195 million bond proposal to appear on the March 10 ballot to provide funding to address facility needs and funding enhancements through 2026. At the board's meeting on December 11, the board determined capital improvements were needed and approved the ballot language for the bond proposal, which if approved, they said, would leave the annual debt millage at or below the debt millage of 3.8 mills levied in 2019. Among the major features of the bond proposal are building and site enhancements and improvements to every school within the district; high school athletic field enhancements; Midvale preschool and senior center site improvements; purchase of school buses; security system and technology enhancements; and critical infrastructure improvements,including HVAC, roofing, plumbing and electrical. “We have spent a significant amount of time researching the capital needs of our district over the last year,” auperintendent Mark Dziatczak said. “The importance of these potential improvements to our facilities for our students cannot be underestimated. Critical capital needs to major infrastructure systems will ensure that our facilities are dry, safe and comfortable for our students, staff and community. Overall, we know the significant interior and exterior improvements proposed across the district will improve student learning conditions by bringing our educational facilities up to the high standard established by our community.” The district said the work behind the capital plan provided the district with a direction for needed facilities work for the next 10 years. “While our buildings need regular maintenance, our facilities are also beginning to show their age,” explained district spokesperson Anne Cron. “Among the improvements and enhancements proposed are major renovations at Bingham Farms Elementary, Pierce Elementary School, the BPS Annex and Groves High School. Fields and athletic entryways at both high schools will also be improved to better serve students and the community. Throughout the planning stages, attention was given to equity across buildings and programs, ultimately providing the district with a plan designed to improve learning environments for all and launch BPS to a new level of educational excellence.”