Q: How many School of Choice students do we have in the district?
A: Our district has 564 school of choice students in the district which is about 6.8% of the total school population of 8,309 students. Students come from multiple districts around the county. School of choice students are only accepted in grades kindergarten through 9th grade and have to provide the previous two years of behavior (one year for 1st grade students) prior to admittance into the district. School of Choice students help balance out some of the students that leave Grand Blanc for other districts around the county. Click HERE for 2014-15 data from the MI School Data site regarding school of choice students.
Q: How will bonds be issued for the projects?
A: Bonds will be issued in four series. In 2016, $7,980,000 will be issued, in 2018 $11,970,000 will be issued, in 2020 $10,350,000 will be issued, and 2021, $2,305,000 will be issued. The total amount of bonds issued will be $32,605,000. The bond was structured this way to keep the taxpayer cost as low as possible and to keep technology up to date for a longer period of time.
Q: How many technology bonds has the district had?
A: We have had one previous technology bond attempt in November of 2013 that also included new school buses. This vote failed by 221 votes. After a community survey was conducted earlier this year through the University of Michigan - Flint, there was overwhelming support for a technology "only" bond.
A: Our district has 564 school of choice students in the district which is about 6.8% of the total school population of 8,309 students. Students come from multiple districts around the county. School of choice students are only accepted in grades kindergarten through 9th grade and have to provide the previous two years of behavior (one year for 1st grade students) prior to admittance into the district. School of Choice students help balance out some of the students that leave Grand Blanc for other districts around the county. Click HERE for 2014-15 data from the MI School Data site regarding school of choice students.
Q: How will bonds be issued for the projects?
A: Bonds will be issued in four series. In 2016, $7,980,000 will be issued, in 2018 $11,970,000 will be issued, in 2020 $10,350,000 will be issued, and 2021, $2,305,000 will be issued. The total amount of bonds issued will be $32,605,000. The bond was structured this way to keep the taxpayer cost as low as possible and to keep technology up to date for a longer period of time.
Q: How many technology bonds has the district had?
A: We have had one previous technology bond attempt in November of 2013 that also included new school buses. This vote failed by 221 votes. After a community survey was conducted earlier this year through the University of Michigan - Flint, there was overwhelming support for a technology "only" bond.
From the Genesee County Election Division web site.
http://www.gc4me.com/departments/county_clerks1/election_division.php
Q: What were the final results from the November 2015 election?
A: Grand Blanc Schools Bond Proposal
Vote for 1
(With 13 of 13 precincts counted)
YES 3,223 (52.11%)
NO 2,962 (47.89%
Total 6,185
Over Votes - 0, Under Votes 48
A: Grand Blanc Schools Bond Proposal
Vote for 1
(With 13 of 13 precincts counted)
YES 3,223 (52.11%)
NO 2,962 (47.89%
Total 6,185
Over Votes - 0, Under Votes 48
Q: Why can't the schools simply use their existing budget.
A: School funding levels are around the same amount as they were a decade ago. With prices increasing and State retirement costs surging higher, it has been challenging to put additional money toward technology. Our district has been fiscally responsible during this time, has made millions of dollars of cuts and the staff has not had a raise in over four years. Even though these steps have been taken, the money simply is not there for the significant improvements needed.
Q: What will the money be used for?
A: There is a list of projects on the bond projects page. Money will be used for classroom devices, classroom instructional equipment (such as projectors, teacher stations, document cameras, sound fields), electrical upgrades to meet the needs of growing technology, server replacement, server back-up, network switches and wiring, library and computer lab updates, wireless access, phone replacement, and technology security. Bond money CANNOT be used for repair or maintenance costs, teacher, administrator or employee salaries, or other operating expenses.
Q. How long will residents be taxed 1.20 mills to pay the bonds back?
A. The maximum allowable length of any bond issue is 17 years. Therefore, the maximum estimated time frame for the 1.20 mills would be 17 years. How long the 1.20 mills is required will depend on taxable value growth. If the taxable value grows at a faster pace than our estimates, the 1.20 mills will decrease faster. The ballot language does mention the 17 years in the first paragraph under informational purposes only.
Q. On the ballot, the estimated simple average annual millage is 1.69 mills per thousand. Why is this rate not used in any of the scenarios that are presented to the public when this number is used on the ballot?
A. The 1.69 mills is the estimated average millage associated with this particular ballot proposal. Our total millage rate which includes all bond issues (including this proposal) is estimated to be 6.30 mills. In the beginning the new bonds will account for a smaller portion of the total millage rate, but as the other bonds are paid off the new bonds will account for a larger portion of the total millage rate. This change over time is what affects the average millage calculation associated the current ballot proposal.
Q. What is the interest rate used in the calculation of the 1.20 mills estimate?
A. We are estimating interest rates ranging from 3.00% - 4.50% for all of the proposed bond issues. These are conservative estimates for today’s interest rate market environment. We also are not proposing to issue all of the $32.6 million at once. If the interest rate market is not to our liking we have reserved the option to adjust the bond issue size in order to meet our debt service millage rate targets.
Q: What is the current millage rate and what will future years look like?
A: Currently the millage rate is 5.10. With the 1.20 increase the total millage rate for 2016-17 will be 6.30 mills and it is projected to be that amount though 2023-24 where the millage rate will begin a rapid decline. See the chart below.
A: School funding levels are around the same amount as they were a decade ago. With prices increasing and State retirement costs surging higher, it has been challenging to put additional money toward technology. Our district has been fiscally responsible during this time, has made millions of dollars of cuts and the staff has not had a raise in over four years. Even though these steps have been taken, the money simply is not there for the significant improvements needed.
Q: What will the money be used for?
A: There is a list of projects on the bond projects page. Money will be used for classroom devices, classroom instructional equipment (such as projectors, teacher stations, document cameras, sound fields), electrical upgrades to meet the needs of growing technology, server replacement, server back-up, network switches and wiring, library and computer lab updates, wireless access, phone replacement, and technology security. Bond money CANNOT be used for repair or maintenance costs, teacher, administrator or employee salaries, or other operating expenses.
Q. How long will residents be taxed 1.20 mills to pay the bonds back?
A. The maximum allowable length of any bond issue is 17 years. Therefore, the maximum estimated time frame for the 1.20 mills would be 17 years. How long the 1.20 mills is required will depend on taxable value growth. If the taxable value grows at a faster pace than our estimates, the 1.20 mills will decrease faster. The ballot language does mention the 17 years in the first paragraph under informational purposes only.
Q. On the ballot, the estimated simple average annual millage is 1.69 mills per thousand. Why is this rate not used in any of the scenarios that are presented to the public when this number is used on the ballot?
A. The 1.69 mills is the estimated average millage associated with this particular ballot proposal. Our total millage rate which includes all bond issues (including this proposal) is estimated to be 6.30 mills. In the beginning the new bonds will account for a smaller portion of the total millage rate, but as the other bonds are paid off the new bonds will account for a larger portion of the total millage rate. This change over time is what affects the average millage calculation associated the current ballot proposal.
Q. What is the interest rate used in the calculation of the 1.20 mills estimate?
A. We are estimating interest rates ranging from 3.00% - 4.50% for all of the proposed bond issues. These are conservative estimates for today’s interest rate market environment. We also are not proposing to issue all of the $32.6 million at once. If the interest rate market is not to our liking we have reserved the option to adjust the bond issue size in order to meet our debt service millage rate targets.
Q: What is the current millage rate and what will future years look like?
A: Currently the millage rate is 5.10. With the 1.20 increase the total millage rate for 2016-17 will be 6.30 mills and it is projected to be that amount though 2023-24 where the millage rate will begin a rapid decline. See the chart below.
Q: The tech bonds are proposed to be issued in 4 series (parts) in the years 2016, 2018, 2020 and finally in 2021 for a total of $32,605,000. Will the proposed millage levy of 1.2 mills pay for all of the bonds or just the bonds issued in 2016?
A: The proposed millage levy of 1.2 mills is projected to pay for all 4 series of bonds issued in 2016, 2018, 2020 & 2021.
Q: What devices are you purchasing for the students?
A: Because the first year is primarily focused on infrastructure we are about a year and a half away from purchasing devices. Because of this, it is hard to tell exactly what technologies will be available at that time and the purpose of this bond is to keep with the latest and greatest in technology. We will be looking for mobile devices such as today’s iPad, Microsoft Surface, Google tablets, Google Chromebooks, or other portable devices of that nature. Student age, battery life, boot time, web ability, and mobility will be some of the characteristics that will be considered when purchasing any device. We will be going away from purchasing desktops with the exception of classes that need that kind of power. The object is to have an infrastructure that will support mobile devices in the classrooms so the teachers can implement technology directly into the classroom without students having to always travel to the technology.
Q: Will teacher training / in-service be held?
A: Significant time will be spent training and assisting teachers with the implementation of technology into their specific curriculum. Our Advisory Curriculum Council will work hand in hand with the technology department to ensure technology is blended into learning and that appropriate teacher training and practice time is provided. We are also aware that continued support will be needed to make this initiative successful.
Q: If this bond passes, will the existing budget be altered (lessened) essentially moving money from any existing technology upgrades to other budget areas?
A: If the bond passes, it is possible that items currently contained within the technology budget may be able to be funded with bond money. This would potentially free money up in the general fund for other purposes or to help reduce any deficit due to increased costs. However the bulk of the current technology budget goes to fund service agreements, software licensing, technology staffing, and a wireless loan payment. By law, bond money cannot fund any of these areas. The budget itself for technology and all other areas is fluid from year to year and no decision will be finalized on the 2016-17 budget until July of 2016. This year's budget will not be impacted by the bond.
Q: How was this particular number figured $32,605,000 and how much is specifically allotted for each of the items listed on the website?
A: During the past several months, the district worked with a technology consultant to evaluate the needs across the district. Each building's infrastructure, age, number of students, size, grade levels, curriculum needs, and the physical layout were among the factors that helped the district arrive at the budget numbers for each school. The below chart summarizes the expenditures for each building. Each building is assigned a project number as follows:
1] Anderson Elementary, [2] Brendel Elementary, [3] Cook Elementary, [4] Indian Hill Elementary, [5] Mason Elementary, [6] McGrath Elementary, [7] Myers Elementary, [8] Perry Center, [9] Reid Elementary, [10] East Middle School, [11] West Middle Schoo1*, [12] High School East Campus, [13] High School West Campus, [14] Central Office**, [15] Operations and Maintenance Building***, [16] Transportation Building
*The additional expense at West Middle School vs. East Middle School is for a district wide back-up server. This is being placed off site from the Central Office server room for disaster data recovery purposes.
**The Central Office expenses listed under the remodeling category contain servers and infrastructure to support district technology.
***The Operations and Maintenance budget contains district wide electrical upgrades that will need to take place as a result of new technologies.
As a side note approximately $500,000-$600,000 per year is currently being spent on purchasing technology each year. This includes everything from infrastructure to devices.
The Remodeling category includes items such as whiteboards, screens, electrical, technology infrastructure, and renovations to labs and libraries.
The Contingency category is a percentage set aside for cost increases and additional expenses needed for remodeling.
The Instructional technology category is any technology that will be specifically used to teach our students such as classroom technology and student devices.
The Loose Furniture category is for any furnishings that will be purchased. This will specifically be for our libraries, labs, and flexible learning areas.
A/E Fees and Costs - These are the fees set aside for architecture and engineering fees.
CM Fees and Costs - These are the fees set aside for Construction Management costs.
Election / Issue Costs - These are the fees set aside to run the election and take out the bonds.
A: The proposed millage levy of 1.2 mills is projected to pay for all 4 series of bonds issued in 2016, 2018, 2020 & 2021.
Q: What devices are you purchasing for the students?
A: Because the first year is primarily focused on infrastructure we are about a year and a half away from purchasing devices. Because of this, it is hard to tell exactly what technologies will be available at that time and the purpose of this bond is to keep with the latest and greatest in technology. We will be looking for mobile devices such as today’s iPad, Microsoft Surface, Google tablets, Google Chromebooks, or other portable devices of that nature. Student age, battery life, boot time, web ability, and mobility will be some of the characteristics that will be considered when purchasing any device. We will be going away from purchasing desktops with the exception of classes that need that kind of power. The object is to have an infrastructure that will support mobile devices in the classrooms so the teachers can implement technology directly into the classroom without students having to always travel to the technology.
Q: Will teacher training / in-service be held?
A: Significant time will be spent training and assisting teachers with the implementation of technology into their specific curriculum. Our Advisory Curriculum Council will work hand in hand with the technology department to ensure technology is blended into learning and that appropriate teacher training and practice time is provided. We are also aware that continued support will be needed to make this initiative successful.
Q: If this bond passes, will the existing budget be altered (lessened) essentially moving money from any existing technology upgrades to other budget areas?
A: If the bond passes, it is possible that items currently contained within the technology budget may be able to be funded with bond money. This would potentially free money up in the general fund for other purposes or to help reduce any deficit due to increased costs. However the bulk of the current technology budget goes to fund service agreements, software licensing, technology staffing, and a wireless loan payment. By law, bond money cannot fund any of these areas. The budget itself for technology and all other areas is fluid from year to year and no decision will be finalized on the 2016-17 budget until July of 2016. This year's budget will not be impacted by the bond.
Q: How was this particular number figured $32,605,000 and how much is specifically allotted for each of the items listed on the website?
A: During the past several months, the district worked with a technology consultant to evaluate the needs across the district. Each building's infrastructure, age, number of students, size, grade levels, curriculum needs, and the physical layout were among the factors that helped the district arrive at the budget numbers for each school. The below chart summarizes the expenditures for each building. Each building is assigned a project number as follows:
1] Anderson Elementary, [2] Brendel Elementary, [3] Cook Elementary, [4] Indian Hill Elementary, [5] Mason Elementary, [6] McGrath Elementary, [7] Myers Elementary, [8] Perry Center, [9] Reid Elementary, [10] East Middle School, [11] West Middle Schoo1*, [12] High School East Campus, [13] High School West Campus, [14] Central Office**, [15] Operations and Maintenance Building***, [16] Transportation Building
*The additional expense at West Middle School vs. East Middle School is for a district wide back-up server. This is being placed off site from the Central Office server room for disaster data recovery purposes.
**The Central Office expenses listed under the remodeling category contain servers and infrastructure to support district technology.
***The Operations and Maintenance budget contains district wide electrical upgrades that will need to take place as a result of new technologies.
As a side note approximately $500,000-$600,000 per year is currently being spent on purchasing technology each year. This includes everything from infrastructure to devices.
The Remodeling category includes items such as whiteboards, screens, electrical, technology infrastructure, and renovations to labs and libraries.
The Contingency category is a percentage set aside for cost increases and additional expenses needed for remodeling.
The Instructional technology category is any technology that will be specifically used to teach our students such as classroom technology and student devices.
The Loose Furniture category is for any furnishings that will be purchased. This will specifically be for our libraries, labs, and flexible learning areas.
A/E Fees and Costs - These are the fees set aside for architecture and engineering fees.
CM Fees and Costs - These are the fees set aside for Construction Management costs.
Election / Issue Costs - These are the fees set aside to run the election and take out the bonds.
