With statewide budget cuts to education, schools are looking at all options to make ends meet
MARQUETTE -- Twenty-nine million dollars. That's how much money the Marquette Area Public Schools is hoping to raise through a 1.5 tax millage.
"We want to pass it so that we can change the outlook of our district for a long time. We think this is going to save us $571,000 a year, and we know that we desperately need some cost savings in the next several years," says Tony Retaskie of the MAPS Board.
Here's the breakdown: about $19 million of the bond is set to go towards what the district considers to be high priority costs, things like new lockers and roof systems. Also, there will be room additions to the elementary schools to accommodate the new all day kindergarten program.
The rest of the funds would go towards the demolition of Bothwell Middle School, and the construction of a new middle school addition to Marquette Senior High School, where the pods currently are. Parents we spoke with are in support of the restructuring.
"I think it would be a good idea so the kids don't have to change schools as often," says Jessica Peterson, a parent in the district.
"Our kids grew up at Gaylord St. Mary's and there it's K-12, so I don't have a problem with it as long as there's a separate corridor...it worked out very well," says Rosemary Smith, also a MAPS parent.
The bond will be on the November 8 ballot.
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