Romulus schools seeking bond issue on Aug. 5 ballot
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The bond would fund projects including the remodeling, equipping, or re-equipping of school buildings, athletic fields, playgrounds, and other facilities, as well as an addition to the transportation building. It would also cover furnishing or re-furnishing new or remodeled buildings, preparing and improving sites, purchasing school buses, and acquiring or upgrading technology in school buildings.
The estimated millage for the bonds in 2026 is 2.70 mills, which is a net increase of 0 mills from the previous year. The estimated average annual millage to pay off the debt is 5.13 mills, and the bonds could be active for up to 25 years, school officials said.
Residents seeking more details can visit the Romulus Community Schools website, contact the officer of the Romulus City Clerk, review the Notice of Special Election, or attend Bond Open Houses at Romulus High School set for 11 a.m. Thursday, July 31.
The estimated simple average annual millage required to retire the bond debt is 5.13 mills. This figure represents the average tax rate needed over the life of the bonds to pay back the borrowed funds, officials said. A mill is equal to $1 of tax for every $1,000 of taxable value. For every $1,000 of taxable value, property owners would pay $2.70 in 2026 and an average of $5.13 per year to repay the bond debt. The exact impact on individual tax bill will depend on the taxable value of your property not the market value and any other applicable millage rates.
The millage will be levied over the life of the bonds to repay the debt, if approved. The district plans to participate in the Michigan School Bond Qualification and Loan Program to help manage debt payments.
The bond would fund extensive upgrades and renovations to Romulus Community Schools, as outlined by Superintendent of Schools Dr. Benjamin Edmondson. Key areas would include infrastructure upgrades, making all district buildings structurally sound and in compliance with all current building codes to improve safety and accessibility for all students. The bond funding would also be used for implementing enhanced safety measures, potentially including secure vestibules, more secure doors, upgraded fire suppression systems, and improved communication technology throughout the district. Included in the plans are improvements to learning environments, possibly through the addition of air conditioning in all classrooms, updates to furniture and classroom designs, and enhancements to learning spaces.
Plans also include updating science classrooms with new equipment and providing new furniture for all classrooms along with site work and renovation of a mixed-use development, including critical infrastructure work and facility system upgrades, and safety/security improvements.
The bond proposal acknowledges the changing world and aims to create safer learning environments, according to Edmondson. In addition to physical security upgrades, the proposal may also include upgrades to technology systems like school connectivity and network infrastructure to support enhanced security measures.
The polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5.
