Lansing area school districts see mixed results for tax proposals in Tuesday's election

ST. JOHNS — Voters narrowly rejected a tax proposal that would have given $92 million to the St. Johns school district to strengthen security throughout the district and make other improvements.

The ballot issue narrowly failed, 2,206-2,096 — 51% of voters were against the tax proposal, according to unofficial results.

Superintendent Anthony Berthiaume said Tuesday night that he was proud of the efforts by staff and community members in crafting the proposal.

"We're going to regroup and do what's best for students," he said. "You never know what's going to happen with elections."

Three other Lansing area school districts — East Lansing, Holt, and Waverly — also had proposals on the ballot asking voters to approve millions of dollars in various school improvements on Tuesday. All of those proposals were approved by voters.

East Lansing Public Schools millage proposal

Voters approved the proposal with 68% backing the $23.5 million bond to make the East Lansing Public Schools safer for students, according to unofficial results.

The proposal passed with a 3,141 to 1,475 with all precincts reporting.

School officials are hoping to strengthen security measures at the high school, which is the last building in the district to be remodeled to have a secure entrance. Visitors are currently able to access any part of the school without being buzzed in by staff, which Superintendent Dori Leyko said is concerning and poses security risks.

District administrators will now be moving out of the high school into their own building which will be located on Towar Ave., property the district already owns.

All interior door knobs and locks for classrooms and offices in MacDonald Middle School will be replaced, and security cameras and the security management system will be updated.

Holt Public Schools millage proposal

Voters approved a $22 million tax proposal for Holt Public Schools, which will be used to make improvements to buildings district-wide, with a specific focus on the middle and high schools.

Unofficial counts show a slim margin of voters — 50.3% — in favor of the proposal. The proposal that included portions of both Ingham and Eaton counties passed 2,916 to 2,879.

The district will see more classrooms added to the middle school and a new "innovation center" in the district's North Campus. This center will provide real-world, hands-on learning opportunities in robotics, aviation, and other skilled trades.

The district will also be purchasing two new school buses that will be equipped with cameras.

Waverly Community Schools proposal

A majority of school district voters — 61% — were in favor of an $8 million tax proposal for Waverly Community Schools, according to unofficial results.

Voters in Ingham and Eaton counties backed the proposal 1,766 to 1,153.

Waverly voters approved a $125 million bond three years ago, but Evan Nuffer, the district's director of finance and operations, said this $8 million proposal is meant to mitigate the unexpected impact of inflation on construction costs.

The money would allow the district to improve school buildings and make additions to Elmwood and Winans elementary schools. The planned improvements to the district include mechanical system upgrades district-wide, new buses and technology for students, secure vestibule entrances at schools and renovated Waverly East Intermediate School locker rooms and showers for community classes.

Contact Sarah Atwood at satwood@lsj.com, or follow her on X @sarahmatwood

This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Lansing area school districts see mixed results for tax proposals in Tuesday's election