New Bond will help KPS Students Compete in a Global Economy

When voters initially voted down a $64.86 million bond proposal back in May (by only 353 votes), the Kentwood School District asked for feedback from the community and learned that voters did not understand all of the bond’s components. After clarifying the projects the bond would fund—building, security, and technology upgrades and improvements—the new bond was placed back on the November ballot and passed by a vote count of 3,125 to 2,108 on Nov. 3.

“Our community has considered this opportunity with a great deal of care and interest, and has responded in support of our students, families and the broader community as partners in supporting excellence in education,” said Michael Zoerhoff, Superintendent Kentwood Public Schools. “Kentwood has always been a district built on fiscal responsibility, demonstrating prudent management of public funds. We are committed to continue to exercise this same responsibility with the funds generated by this proposal.”

The district has about 8,800 students.

If you live in Kentwood and own a $100,000-dollar home, the bond will cost you about 72 cents per week (an increase from 3.5 mills to 4.25 mills). Here’s where your money will be spent to help students to compete in a global society:

Technology (25% of bond)

New computers and devices to replace outdated technology.
Upgrades to the District’s network infrastructure and modernizations at each school location to support and serve more wireless technology.
Remodeled media centers with technology updates.
Flexible Collaboration Center spaces focusing on state-of-the-art technology and large group instruction throughout the District.

Safety and Security (27% of bond)

Updated building-wide communications systems.
Gradual replacement of aging school buses. The district currently has a fleet of 43 buses, but only 38 are operational.
Updated playgrounds to meet current safety standards.
Remodeled school entryways to provide a friendly lobby and limited access to students and classrooms.
Enhanced security measures in all schools, including remote-access cameras and ID monitoring.
Improved, safer pedestrian and vehicle traffic to and from the Kentwood facilities.
Upgrades to plumbing, mechanical, electrical and building systems to extend their useful life and improve operational efficiency.
Collaborative, multi-purpose learning centers to support 21^st-century education practices.
Replacement of aged doors and windows to improve building efficiency.
Updated building finishes with new carpet, ceilings and furniture.
Improved and expanded parking lots and paved areas.
Renovated elementary school media centers, including new technology and furniture.

Operational Efficiency and Building Renovations (48% of bond)

Upgrades to plumbing, mechanical, electrical and building systems to extend their useful life and improve operational efficiency.
Replacement of aged doors and windows to improve building efficiency.
Updated building finishes with new carpet, ceilings and furniture.
Improved and expanded parking lots and paved areas.
Renovated elementary school media centers, including new technology and furniture.
Collaborative, multi-purpose learning centers to support 21^st-century education practices.

“The Kentwood Public Schools remains committed to providing an education of excellence to every child that we serve,” said Zoerhoff. “Each teacher and staff member at KPS seeks to partner with our families to ensure that positive relationships are developing within the school environment and that high expectations are reflected in the arts, athletics, and within each of our academic programs.”