CLICK TO HEAR JACK HALL’S INTERVIEW WITH GLADSTONE SUPT. JAY KULBERTIS
A newly-formed community coalition, Brighter Braves Future (BBF), is rallying together to support two millage proposals aimed at enhancing Gladstone Area Schools without increasing the millage tax rate for residents. The upcoming May 6, 2025 millage vote presents a unique opportunity to secure a total of $21.7 million in necessary school improvements while maintaining the current millage rate of 5.75 mills.
Brighter Braves Future is a dedicated coalition of community members committed to ensuring the ongoing growth and success of Gladstone Area Public Schools. The group is advocating for two bond proposals designed to provide critical infrastructure improvements and educational enhancements while keeping the millage tax rate unchanged.
“In Michigan, state funding for schools is designated for educational purposes only and does not cover large-scale facility upgrades,” said BBF Co-Chair Marge Noreus. “This millage will allow for the modernization, expansion, and improvement of school facilities, ensuring that the students in the district continue to receive the best education possible in a safe and well-equipped learning environment.”
The bond proposals on the May ballot aim to address key issues across all four district schools:
- Enhanced Safety & Security: New secure entryways, intruder-resistant glass, upgraded fire protection systems, and improved exterior lighting.
- Essential Infrastructure Improvements: Replacement of aging heating units, new boilers, roof repairs, upgraded electrical systems, improved parking lots, and safer traffic flow patterns.
- ADA Compliance & Modernization: Renovations to Special Education restroom, replacement of outdated playground equipment, new lockers, and improved common spaces.
- New Classrooms & Facilities: Addition of four classrooms at Cameron Elementary for early childhood education and a multi-use facility at both Cameron Elementary and Gladstone High School to support enhanced learning opportunities, student clubs, extracurriculars, and community events.
- Support for Career Training: By constructing a new multi-use facility at Gladstone High School, the wrestling program would move from the junior high school, creating space for expanded skilled trades training opportunities for students.
Through this millage proposal there will be no tax rate increase. Due to previous debt nearing repayment, approving this measure at this time will allow Gladstone Schools to make critical improvements without raising taxes.
- If both bond proposals pass: The 5.75 mill tax rate will remain the same for five years before gradually declining. Total term of bond will be 13 years, 7 months.
- If only one proposal passes: The tax rate will stay at 5.75 mills temporarily before declining at a different pace, depending on which bond is approved.
“This is an opportunity to provide our students with a safe and modern learning environment while being fiscally responsible,” said BBF Co-Chair Joanna Wilbee-Amis. “We encourage all residents to learn more and get involved to support the continued growth and success of the school district.”
- Election Day: Tuesday, May 6, 2025 (Polls open 7 AM – 8 PM)
- Polling Locations: Same as local, state, and national elections
- Absentee Ballots Available: Starting March 27, 2025 at local Clerk’s Offices
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