Whitehall, MI — On September 10, Whitehall District Schools held a Community Forum at the high school to share details and gather input on the proposed 2025 Bond Proposal. The forum featured a presentation by Whitehall District Schools Superintendent CJ Van Wieren, followed by a tour of the high school to show current conditions and needed improvements.
What the Proposal Is
- A $30 million bond to be spread out over 20 years, for school improvements.
- The proposal would restore the district’s tax levy to 5.0 mills in 2026, matching the level paid in 2024, after a temporary drop to 3.2 mills in 2025 to reduce tax impact.
- The district emphasizes this is a financially responsible plan, with Whitehall’s levy remaining among the lowest in nearby districts.
Tax Impact
- For a home with a market value of $200,000, the estimated cost under the proposal is about $180 per year, or ~$15 per month (≈50 cents/day).
- The district website includes a home value tax calculator so property owners can estimate their exact personal impact.
How the Projects Were Prioritized
- After the 2023 bond proposal failed, a fresh evaluation was undertaken using new architects (Clark Construction, PRA Architects). Schools were inspected, and community input (students, staff, parents) was collected.
- A facility assessment (scope summary) was conducted.
- Initial lists of identified needs were trimmed down from nearly $87–$88 million to only the most urgent items to stay within the proposed bond amount and minimize the tax increase. Athletic-related items (like turf fields) were removed to focus on academics, safety, and infrastructure.
Key Proposed Improvements
Some of the major project categories are:
- Security upgrades including securing main entries/offices to improve visitor control.
- Infrastructure: improvements to heating, cooling, aging boilers, electrical systems, and roof repairs/replacements.
- Classroom environment: better ventilation, updated furniture and equipment, more efficient technology, window coverings, etc.
- Kitchen, cafeteria, and servery updates to increase efficiency and improve student experience (less wait time, better layouts).
- Front-office renovations for better sight lines and creating secure visitor entries.
Next Steps & Voting
- The bond will be on the ballot Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
- Absentee ballots will be available closer to the end of September.
- All relevant materials (ballot language, presentation, FAQs, facility assessment) are posted on the district’s bond proposal webpage.
Upcoming Community Forum
There will be another community meeting on Tuesday, September 24 at 6 p.m., at Whitehall Middle School, which will similarly include a presentation and building tour.
Stay connected to what’s happening in our area by visiting CatchMark Community.
