Voters in the Marquette Area Public Schools have approved a tax increase to make repairs and upgrades in buildings across the district.
The 1.55 mill increase passed by a vote of 3,628 yes to 3,116 no on Tuesday. It will raise about $60 million to be used in multiple projects around the district, with the bulk of those improvements coming at the Bothwell Middle School.
The Marquette Area Public Schools press release follows:
Voters in the Marquette Area Public Schools (MAPS) district approved the district’s $59.995 million bond proposal on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, providing funding to address critical facility, safety, and learning environment needs across all district schools.
Preliminary, unofficial results indicate 53.8% of voters supported the proposal, while 46.2% were not in support.
The bond was developed following years of planning, community engagement, and comprehensive facility studies—both state funded and district commissioned—that identified more than $100 million in infrastructure and building system needs across MAPS schools. The approved bond represents a focused, phased approach to addressing the highest priority needs.
If fully implemented as planned, bond funding will support improvements in three key areas:
- Safety: Secure entrances, ADA accessibility improvements, and upgraded communication and security systems
- Infrastructure: Heating and ventilation systems, electrical upgrades, roofs, windows, doors, lighting, and other major building systems
- Learning Environments: Modernized classrooms, science labs, career and technical education spaces, arts and music areas, and athletic facilities
Every school in the district will benefit, with projects tailored to each building’s most critical needs.
“We are grateful to our community for taking the time to learn about the condition of our schools and for supporting this investment in our students and staff,” said Superintendent Zack Sedgwick. “This bond allows us to be proactive—addressing aging systems, improving safety, and creating learning environments that better support today’s educational needs while protecting taxpayer investment.”
MAPS will continue to use its voter approved sinking fund for routine capital maintenance, while bond funding will allow the district to complete larger, district wide projects more efficiently and with less disruption.
The district will share additional information about project sequencing, timelines, and next steps as planning continues. Updates will be posted at mapsnet.org.
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