Bond Proposal Would Pay For $8.69 Million Houghton-Portage Township Schools Renovation Project

Houghton-Portage Township Schools are putting forth a bond proposal to cover a project with a total cost of $8.69 million.

That would result in an average millage rate increase of 2.01 mils for up to 25 years, if approved.

The bond was discussed at a recent Board of Education meeting. The board approved a bond referendum to take place May 3, 2016.

The proposed bond will address a long list of facility, safety, and infrastructure updates in the district. This includes renovation of the high school/middle school combined athletic complex and replacement of the high school roof. Technology improvements will also be incorporated into the project, including upgrades to the wireless network and upgrading the district security systems.

The middle school and high school track and fields are also in need of significant safety upgrades, to be included in the proposed bond.

A public presentation to discuss the bond will be held at Houghton High School on March 2nd at 6:30pm. There will also be updated information on the district website.

Here is the press release from the school:

Board Approves May 3rd Bond Referendum Security, Technology, energy conservation and physical ed/athletic complex to be addressed

HOUGHTON-PORTAGE TOWNSHIP, MICH. – (February 8, 2016) –The Houghton-Portage Township Schools Board of Education approved a bond referendum to take place May 3, 2016.

The spring bond proposal will address the growing need for security and technology updates, energy conservation improvements, facility upgrades and the renovation of the physical education/ athletic complex.

The replacement of the high school roof, along with needed safety and ADA compliance improvements to the outdoor physical ed/athletic complex, are important measures that the bond proposal would fund. Facility improvements made to Houghton-Portage Township schools will include technology and security/safety system upgrades, restroom upgrades, HVAC replacements and energy conservation improvements in all K-12 buildings. The aging roof at the high school original complex, has reached the expected 20 year life-span and is in need of replacement.

Additionally, the combined high school and middle school will receive a renovated physical education/athletic complex as well as parking lot improvements. Improving students learning environment and safety is also a top priority for Houghton-Portage Township schools.

Technology improvements will be incorporated into the project, including upgrades to the wireless network and infrastructure and upgrading the district security systems.

Currently, the middle school and high school track, fields and related infrastructure (bleachers and fencing) are over 40 years old and in need of significant safety and ADA compliance upgrades. With 751 HS & MS students using the complex for both physical education classes and co-curricular sports, the space is hard-pressed to serve the current needs.

As outlined in the bond proposal, total project costs will be $8.69 million. Based on the debt payoff schedule, the maximum number of years the bonds will be outstanding, exclusive of any refinancing, would be 25 years, to be complete in 2041. The average millage rate to retire this bond debt will be an average increase of 2.01 mils over the existing levy.

The Houghton-Portage Township School District is committed to providing the community with detailed information on the bond proposal. Please visit the district’s Web site at www.hpts.us for up-to-date information on the bond proposal as well as details about community meetings and presentations.