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By May 5, 2026.
The upcoming bond proposal for Ravenna's school district is a plan to fix what’s aging, protect what matters, and prepare our schools for the next generation, without raising the tax rate.
LEARN MORE
Quick Facts
$22.6 million
in district improvements
Zero mill
increase over prior year's levy
Vote
YES
by May 5, 2026
Why now?
This proposal isn’t about shiny extras. It’s about needs.
RPS has aging buildings and infrastructure that need improvement, especially Beechnau Elementary, along with roof, safety, and transportation needs across the district.
A bond is required to make critical facility improvements. Acting now allows the district to take advantage of solar farm revenue to help maintain the current 7.6-mill rate. Delaying these projects increases the likelihood of higher costs and different tax impacts later.
Many of Ravenna’s buildings, systems, buses, and outdoor facilities are at or beyond their intended lifespan. Delaying updates only makes them more expensive, and riskier, down the road.
Bond Projects
Built on Real Needs, Not Guesswork
Ravenna’s project list is the result of years of evaluations, professional assessments, and careful financial planning.
Here’s how the plan came together:
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Facility assessments identified aging systems, safety concerns, and areas approaching failure
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Staff and administrator input highlighted day-to-day challenges inside classrooms and buildings
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Transportation and technology reviews identified equipment at the end of its useful life
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Financial modeling aligned project timing with responsible debt planning
This is a plan built to match real needs with a real number.
Projects funded by the bond:
District-Wide
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Safety and security improvements across school buildings
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Infrastructure upgrades that support dependable building systems
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Technology improvements that support instruction, communication, and operations
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Updates to aging systems to improve comfort, efficiency, and long-term reliability
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Beechnau Elementary
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Full facility upgrades including HVAC
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Updated learning spaces
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Playground improvements
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New windows and doors
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Plumbing and mechanical upgrades
Band & Choir
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Classroom remodel
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New instruments
Middle School
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Roof replacement
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HVAC upgrades
Hands-On Learning
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Promote hands-on project-based learning that goes beyond screens. More opportunities to "learn by doing”.
Transportation
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New school buses
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Paved bus lot
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Lighting upgrades at the bus garage
Athletics
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Track replacement
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Athletic equipment upgrades, including scoreboards, press boxes, and mats
Financial
Impact
If approved, the Ravenna Public Schools bond would generate $22.6 million to address critical district needs while keeping the tax rate stable at 7.6 mills.
The tax rate stays the same.
The current 7.6 mill tax rate is not projected to increase.
Why this works.
Revenue from the Muskegon Solar Farm and Consumers Energy would cover roughly half of the bond, allowing the district to nearly double available funding without raising taxes. Think of it as a 401(k)-style match for the community—same rate, more impact.
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The 7.6 mill rate remains anyway until 2033/2034
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Critical building needs would still exist
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Costs could shift to the district’s General Fund, potentially impacting programs, staffing, and class sizes
What if the bond is not approved?
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$22.6 million invested in district-wide improvements
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7.6 mill tax rate maintained through 2044
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Major projects addressed without pulling from classroom operating funds
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Solar farm revenue maximized to benefit students and the community
What happens if the bond passes?
Surrounding
District Millages:
Ravenna’s millage stays in line with neighboring districts
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FAQs
Can you further define the scope of work being done under this proposal?
At this stage, the district has identified a list of needs through in-depth assessments. Through the collaborative input of architects, construction managers, Ravenna Public School's staff, and community members, the final scope of work will be developed and refined.
Identified Projects at Ravenna Public Schools can be found here.
Can't we just use state funding?
State funding covers the day-to-day operation of schools, things like staff, programs, and basic expenses. It does not provide enough money for large-scale building updates or major facility upgrades. School bonds exist specifically to fund those long-term projects, allowing districts to fix roofs, replace HVAC systems, improve safety, and modernize schools without cutting classroom programs or relying on unpredictable state dollars.
Why can't we just use the solar farm funding?
Solar farm revenue provides helpful supplemental income, but it is not enough or reliable enough on its own to cover critical facility projects. That funding helps offset costs and reduce the overall tax impact, but major upgrades like roofs, HVAC systems, and safety improvements require upfront capital that only a bond can provide. The solar revenue works alongside the bond, not instead of it, to be responsible and keep costs stable over time.
What can school bond funds be used for?
School bonds can only be used for long-term investments in school facilities and infrastructure, things like constructing or renovating buildings, replacing roofs and HVAC systems, improving safety and security, upgrading technology infrastructure, and investing in durable equipment such as furniture or buses.
They cannot be used for everyday operating costs like teacher salaries, classroom supplies, utilities, programs, or administrative expenses. In simple terms, bonds pay for buildings and major upgrades, not the day-to-day costs of running schools.
Why Our Community Is Saying Yes
Never in my lifetime has there been such a unique financial opportunity for the community of Ravenna to show our support for Ravenna Public Schools at such a small cost to the community.
Vote YES and put Ravenna Public Schools, already one of the top performing schools in the County, back to a top tier facility in the County.
John Swanson
We need your vote.
Voting is simple. Your voice matters. This decision will shape Ravenna schools for decades to come.
Absentee ballot starting March 27, 2026,
In person on May 5, 2026, from 7a – 8p
Polling Locations
Ravenna Twp: 3770 Blackmer Rd, Ravenna, MI
Moorland/Casnovia: : 12416 E Apple Ave, Ravenna, MI
Sullivan: 8138 Heights Ravenna Rd, Ravenna, MI
Chester: 3509 Sehler St Conklin, MI
For your poll location, request an absentee ballot, register to vote and more visit michigan.gov/vote or click the button below.
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Support the Cause!
Donate
Your contribution helps fund community outreach and informational materials.
Mail donations to:
Yes! For Our Ravenna Schools
Attn: Kathy Morey
3536 Lo Al Drive,
Ravenna, MI 49451
Or reach out to yesforourravennaschools@gmail.com
Get involved
Join upcoming opportunities to learn more and stay engaged.
Feb 12, 6pm: Bond Informational Community Forum #4:
@ Beechnau Elementary Cafeteria
Mar 24, 6pm: Bond Informational Community Forum #5:
@ Beechnau Elementary Cafeteria
Apr 28, 6pm: Bond Informational Community Forum #6:
@ Beechnau Elementary Cafeteria
Reach out
Have a question or want more information? We’re here to help. Fill out the form below or email us at yesforourravennaschools@gmail.com