Sturgis schools weigh new bond after May rejection
STURGIS, MI – A three-part bond proposal to fund upgrades throughout the Sturgis Public Schools campus is being examined for consideration next year, months after a similar, $98 million request was nixed by voters. The board of education and district administrators on Nov. 6 and Nov. 9, discussed a potential $86.7 million proposal, one that could be broken into sections by academic and athletic priority. All told, the proposal in development would see a millage rate of about 6.95 mills. The matter is still in the discussion phase, but will need to be finalized by January to make deadline for a spring ballot measure, district officials said. More: Sturgis holiday events bring festive fun to downtown A potential first request, estimated at about $51.2 million, would seek funding for academic infrastructure, such as bathroom renovations, roof replacements, barrier-free access and security improvements, technology, library renovations, classroom renovations, parking, drives and site work. A second request would focus on reduced athletic complex upgrades at $9.2 million, including new LED stadium lighting, a new grandstand at the soccer field and soil remediation, a reduction of more than $12 million over May’s proposal. A third section at approximately $26.3 million would ask for