Funding for school districts was on ballots across West Michigan, Tuesday, May 7.
Voters approved of many of these plans and millages, unlocking millions in funding for a several districts.
Some of the bigger plans that were accepted by voters included:
Rockford Public Schools—There was a $174 million bond proposal to build a new elementary school and improve facilities in the district. There was also a sinking fund proposal of $11 million. Sixty-three percent of voters said yes to these proposals.
West Ottawa Public Schools—The district asked for nearly $98 million to use on school infrastructure and equipment. Included in the proposal are plans for a new elementary school, a new performing arts center and a new stadium at the high school. This was passed with just over 50% of voters giving it the go ahead. It won by a margin of 111 votes.
Lowell Area Schools—A majority of voters—68%— approved a plan for a $52 million bond for maintenance in the district, including infrastructure upgrades, new classrooms, renovations and other improvements. No millage increase is expected with this proposal.
Ludington Area Schools—About 55 percent of voters approved a $100 million bond proposal on the ballot to build new facilities over the next 30 years. Plans include building a new elementary school, adding on and renovating the middle school and high school and other improvements to facilities.
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In Kent County, voters approved other funding plans for schools including the Byron Center Schools operating millage, the Kelloggsville Public Schools operating millage, and the Kentwood Public Schools operating millage.
A Tri-County Area Schools bonding proposal failed, with 53% of voters rejecting it.
Similarly, in Ottawa County, millages for the Grand Haven Area Public Schools, Hudsonville Public Schools and Zeeland Public Schools were all approved. A Sparta Area Schools sinking fund millage was not passed.
Martin Public Schools also had their operating millage approved; however Saugatuck Public Schools' proposal failed by a thin margin of three votes.
In Muskegon County, the Montague Area Public Schools sinking fund millage proposal was passed with 62% of voters.
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