Sturgis voters to decide on school bond proposal in May

Voters in the Sturgis Public Schools district will decide on a school bond proposal in the May 5, 2026 election. 

If approved, the proposal would allow the district to borrow up to $98.475 million through general obligation bonds to fund a series of building, safety, accessibility, and athletic facility improvements across the district. The funds could be used for construction, remodeling, equipment, instructional technology, and site improvements, but not for salaries, supplies, or other day-to-day operating costs.

What is a bond proposal?

A bond proposal is a way for a public school district to ask voters for permission to borrow money for large, long-term capital projects. If voters approve the measure, the district sells bonds and repays the debt over time through a dedicated portion of property taxes, known as a debt millage. State law requires bond spending to be audited, and bond funds must be kept separate from a district’s general operating budget.

What projects are included?

According to district materials, the proposal would fund improvements at multiple school buildings, including Sturgis High School, elementary schools, the middle school, and support facilities. Projects include roof replacements, restroom renovations, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility upgrades, secure entry vestibules, boiler replacements, classroom and library renovations, and site improvements such as sidewalks, parking and drainage. 

The proposal also includes athletic and extracurricular upgrades, such as new synthetic turf for football, baseball, and softball fields; a new running track and field event areas; updated stadium lighting and seating, and expanded athletic restroom facilities. 

One of the largest components of the proposal is the construction of a new aquatic center near Sturgis High School. The planned facility would include an eight-lane competition pool, diving area, spectator seating, locker rooms, and supporting technology and infrastructure. The new center would replace aquatic programming currently held at the Community Pool, which does not meet current safety codes.

How would taxes be affected?

District officials state that if the bond proposal passes, the school debt millage rate is not expected to increase. The estimated levy for the bonds would result in a 0.00 mill net increase, meaning the district would continue collecting school bond taxes at roughly the same rate it already does, rather than adding a new or higher tax rate. In practical terms, this means property owners would not see a higher school bond tax rate solely because of the proposal, though individual tax bills could still change due to factors such as rising property values. 

If the proposal does not pass, the debt millage rate would decline sooner as existing bond debt is paid off.

Election and timeline

The bond proposal will appear on the May 5, 2026 ballot. Absentee ballots are expected to be available beginning March 26, 2026. If approved, the district plans to sell the bonds in two series. The first round of funding would become available in 2027, with a second series expected in 2029. The district would have up to 30 years to repay the bonds, with the exact repayment length depending on how each series of bonds is issued.

Maxwell Knauer is a staff writer for Watershed Voice.