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The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) has announced its support for a $148 million bond issue in the Holt Public School District. The May 4 ballot proposal would include improvements in four key areas of critical infrastructure, safety and security, learning environments, and innovation over the next eight years. Taxpayers will be asked to vote on a projected tax decrease of 1.77 mils compared to the previous year’s tax rate.

“The Lansing Regional Chamber has been consistent in supporting our students through the support of bond proposals for school districts,” said Tim Daman, president & CEO, LRCC. “This investment is desperately needed. The Holt Public School District will be investing approximately $148 million in the health, safety, and security of the buildings to benefit the students, staff, and community.”

“The last time we asked voters to consider a bond of this type was the year 2000,” said Dr. David Hornak, superintendent, Holt Public Schools. “Our last bond was focused on the secondary level and provided the funding for the high school. This bond proposal will focus on improving all our tired facilities. However, we will be emphasizing projects at the elementary level, which includes reconstructing two elementary schools.”

If approved, the new bond will create equitable access to resources by reconstructing two new TK-5 buildings at opposite ends of the District, while reducing the number of building transitions for students. The proposal also allows for:

  • Reducing transitions between buildings supports relationship building and improved student outcomes
  • Proposing a new structure: TK-5; middle school,6-8; and traditional high school, 9- 12
  • Reconstructing two new TK-5 elementary schools, Dimondale and Sycamore, on their current site locations
  • Reconfiguring existing elementary buildings to accommodate grades TK-5, including possible classroom and gym additions
  • Adding classroom space at Washington Woods to create a 6-8 middle school; cafeteria expansion
  • Adding new technology and infrastructure will enable students and staff to have easy access to innovative learning opportunities with updated devices and equipment
  • Making select improvements to athletic and performing arts

The Holt bond proposal also calls for: updating facilities to ensure a safe and secure learning environment for students and staff; updating building infrastructure that is at or past its useful life cycle to address aging facility issues district-wide; and creating flexible, modern spaces that support creativity and collaboration while helping students build up their experiences each year until they graduate from Holt Public Schools.

“It is rare that a community ever has the opportunity to generate nearly $150 million to keep kids healthy, safe and secure,” Scott Ammon, Holt resident. “Other debt is being paid off, and the district is asking for some of this back to invest in our schools. This is a smart, sensible, and financially strategic strategy.”