On May 6, 2008, voters will be asked to approve a $47,890,000 bond proposal designed by the Board to help ensure that the excellence of Dexter Community Schools continues. The proposed bond has been structured to extend, NOT increase, the 8.5 mills currently levied for debt on all properties. Projections indicate that the current debt levy will start to decline in 2013. If voters approve the proposed bond, the debt levy is not projected to decline until 2018. The money that is generated by this bond proposal will fund substantial improvements in infrastructure, security, transportation, and technology. It will also generate sufficient funds to purchase land and to improve outdoor fields and facilities.

The rate of increase for funding schools has not kept pace with the rate of increase in expenditures. This has resulted in cuts in many areas involving the day to day operations of the schools. In June, 2006, the Board of Education adopted a budget that required using some fund balance dollars rather than making significant cuts in programming or other parts of the budget. In order to address the budget shortfalls, the Board established the Committee on Revenue Growth and Saving Cost for Education (CORSE). This umbrella committee was made up of smaller committees that studied ways in which the district could generate funds or reduce cost.

CORSE made recommendations to the Board in December, 2006. One recommendation indicated that the Board should consider a recreation millage, sinking fund, or bond in order to raise the revenue required to complete various projects. The Board studied these options and decided to pursue a bond because it provided the greatest flexibility and did not increase the tax levied on properties.

The Board considered putting a $60 million bond proposal before voters in August, 2007, but citizens voiced their concerns that they could not support such an action. The Board listened, and delayed the bond vote.

A Bond Committee, made up of professional consultants, Board members, district staff, and members of the community did additional study which included the review of results from a community survey conducted by EPIC-MRA. Final recommendations regarding the size and scope of the bond were presented to the Board in November, 2007. The bond proposal that will be presented to voters in May has been reduced by more than $11 million from the original proposal.

This web site has been established to disseminate factual information about the bond. I encourage you to make an informed decision on May 6.

Sincerely,
Evelynn Shirk
Superintendent of Education