Special Bond Election

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• Special Bond Election
• February 24, 2009

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Introductions

• Board of Education
• Eric Ramso, President
• Patricia Strebeck, Vice President
• Lisa Kiewel, Secretary
• Scott MacMartin, Treasurer
• Al Ottusch, Member
• Judy Kelly, Member
• Pam Stanage, Member

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Introductions

• District Administration
• Kevin Ivers, Superintendent
• Craig Harley, Business Manager
• Consultants
• David Martin, Project Mgr., Kingscott Architects
• John VanStratt, Vice Pres., Miller-Davis Co.,
  Construction Managers

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Why Call a Special Election?

• To maintain, develop and promote the best
  instructional programs for all students
• To maintain the original investment of taxpayers
  by providing safe, updated facilities that
  promote educational delivery
• To focus limited educational dollars on students,
  not buildings

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The Tough Questions

• Given the current economic conditions, is this
  the right time to ask for a property tax
  increase?
• Why cant the school district pay for its own
  improvements?

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The Economy

• This project can stimulate the economy
• Local contractors will have an opportunity to bid
  on work
• Local businesses will benefit from increased
  traffic during construction
• In this market the school district can get more
  work done for its investment
• This project is fiscally responsible
• There is a direct correlation between good school
  systems and high property values

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District Financial Information

• 1986 Building Site Fund balance 42,000
• 1994 Public Improvement Fund balance
  117,287
• 2003 Recreation Fund- removed 300,000 of annual
  pool operations from General Fund
• 2007 Energy Performance Contract- annual savings
  of 60,000 in energy costs
• 1.4 million in Gen. Fund reductions since 2001
• 2 months of operating expenses left
• 5-year enrollment projections are stable
• 1/3 of all students are Schools of Choice which
  generates revenue of 2.1 million

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Education Tax Rate Comparison
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The Perfect Storm

• Aging facilities (30 years old)
• Replacements/upgrades are needed that exceed
  district savings
• Decrease in state aid (lt1 increase since 2003)

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What are We Asking For?

• Borrow 22 million and issue tax bonds
• Levy 1.5 mills for 25 years (avg. 1.2 mills)
• 100,000 home (market value) 75/year
• 150,000 home 112.50/year
• 200,000 home 150/year
• In most cases, tax is less than this estimate
• Tax calculator link at (www.bridgmanschools.com)

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District Taxable Values

• Total 913,785,701
• D.C. Cook 668,455,880
• D.C. Cook comprises 73 of total district taxable
  value
• Without D.C. Cook, Bridgman Schools would need to
  levy 5.5 mills for this project

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How Did We Arrive at 22M?

• Feb., 2008- Select Architect, Kingscott
• March-May- Facilities Analysis conducted
• June-Sept.- Prioritization Comm. met and
  prioritized categories of site, building
  envelope, building interior, mechanical and
  electrical systems
• Oct.-Nov.- Prepare Treasury Application
• Dec. 15- Board Authorizes Bond Election

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Prioritization Work

• The Committee created category guidelines as
  guideposts for prioritization of the needs.
• Community Support
• The solution will acknowledge the economic
  conditions of the community and be fiscally
  responsible. The solution will be a wise
  investment for the Bridgman community.
• Longevity Life Cycle
• The solution will be a long-term solution,
  eliminating the necessity to return to the voters
  for numerous years.
• Educational Enhancement
• The solution will be based on sound educational
  delivery and enhance student achievement
• Security/Safety
• The solution will improve safety for students,
  staff and visitors
• Necessities
• The solution will address items that if left
  unaddressed will continue to worsen with time and
  create a larger financial burden in the future.

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Bridgman Elementary

• Built 1958. Additions 1966, 1979, 1988
• Loading/unloading parking lot upgrades
• Replace roof
• Renovate restroom to be ADA compliant
• Construct additional student restroom
• Replace HVAC system in gym
• Renovate preschool space
• General electrical upgrades
• Replace fire alarm system
• Replace phone system
• Add security and surveillance system

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F.C. Reed Middle

• Built 1978.
• Replace parking lot and drainage
• Replace roof
• Replace ceiling tiles
• Renovate restroom to be ADA compliant
• Replace remaining heat pumps
• General electrical upgrades
• Replace fire alarm system
• Replace phone system
• Add security and surveillance system

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Bridgman High School

• Built 1971.
• Loading/unloading and parking lot upgrades
• Replace aluminum entrances
• Replace ceiling tiles
• Auditorium upgrades
• Renovate restrooms to be ADA compliant
• Replace fire alarm system
• Add security and surveillance system
• Replace phone system
• General electrical upgrades
• Create new paved area for band practice

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Technology

• Add infrastructure cabling
• Replace data network switches
• Replace server storage networks
• Add interactive whiteboards, sound systems,
  projectors in every classroom
• Replace desktop computers printers in all labs

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Athletics

• BES gym upgrades equipment
• Refinish/restripe RMS gym to regulation size
• Create weight room area at RMS
• BHS locker room upgrades
• Baseball, softball, football fields upgrades
• Expand football concession restrooms
• Replace track equipment

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Project Scope Summary

• Bridgman Elem., 4.9 million
• F.C. Reed Middle, 4.7 million
• Bridgman H.S., 7.4 million
• Technology, 2.6 million
• Athletics, 2.6 million
• 1.1M removed through the prioritization process
• View the full report at
• http//bridgman.kingscott.com

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Ballot Language

• Shall Bridgman Public School District, Berrien
  County, Michigan, borrow the sum of not to exceed
  Twenty-Two Million Dollars (22,000,000) and
  issue its general obligation unlimited tax bonds
  therefor, for the purpose of
• acquiring, installing and equipping
  instructional technology for school facilities
  equipping and re- equipping, furnishing and
  refurnishing and partially remodeling school
  facilities purchasing school buses
  constructing, equipping, developing and
  improving athletic/physical education facilities
  and play fields and developing and improving
  sites?

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Bond Proceeds Cannot Be Used For

• Repair or maintenance costs
• Teacher, administrator or employee salaries
• Other operating expenses
• Expenditure of bond proceeds must be audited
  and must be expended within 5 years

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More Information

• www.bridgmanschools.com
• http//bridgman.kingscott.com
• www.bridgmanbond.org
• kivers_at_bridgmanschools.com
• charley_at_bridgmanschools.com

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Questions?