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FREQUENTLY
ASKED
QUESTIONS
What is a bond proposal?
A bond is the primary way Michigan public school districts fund facility and infrastructure projects, by asking local voters for tax dollars through a formal election process. Michigan’s current school funding model is based on Proposal A, a constitutional amendment that passed in 1994.
Can bond funds be used on operational expenses?
Bond funds may be used for capital improvements such as new construction, additions, renovations, site upgrades, furnishings, equipment (including technology and security), and other major purchases like buses. Bond funds cannot be used for operational expenses such as salaries, benefits, school supplies, or textbooks. By law, bond funds must be kept separate from operating funds and are subject to independent audits. This allows districts to fund facility projects while preserving their general funds for educational use in the classroom.
Is Kentwood Public Schools growing?
Yes, KPS student enrollment has grown by nearly 800 students in the past decade – representing a 9 percent increase. This places Kentwood as one of the fastest growing school districts in the entire state. While many districts in Michigan are getting smaller, KPS is experiencing something different. The district attributes this growth to a culture of excellence, and a desirable and growing housing market, and expects this growth to continue into the next decade.
Has the Kentwood community had the opportunity to provide input on the proposal?
Yes, the Safety + Success Bond was developed with extensive input from students, staff, community members, and professional partners. The formal process of bond exploration began in 2024 and included multiple focus groups, town halls, community-wide surveys, and professional assessments.
What Guiding Principles grew from the community input for this bond?
Guiding Principles are used to guide decision-making throughout a bond program. In essence, they are used for prioritization. After extensive community feedback, Safety and Success for our students emerged as the overarching focal points for this bond campaign. KPS leaders and the Board of Education developed these four Guiding Principles based on community input for the Safety + Success Bond: i. Safe and Secure Facilities ii. Excellence and Equity iii. Real-World Learning iv. Long-Term Sustainability
What specifics surfaced as areas of emphasis for future planning for the district?
Through surveys and feedback in town hall meetings, community members felt middle school was the next area of focus for our district. Ninety-five percent of respondents in a community survey felt it was important for the district to focus on middle school at this time.
What projects are included in the Safety + Success bond proposal?
- District-wide Safety Systems, Furniture, Technology, and Buses -New CTE/STEM Center to expand Career-Readiness Programs -New Valleywood Middle School aligned with KPS standards of excellence, with capacity for 750 students -Ice Arena Infrastructure Replacements keeping our aging facility in operation as a community asset -Renovations to High School Performing Arts Center including auditorium upgrades and full renovation to classrooms -New 600-seat Performance Auditorium to meet growing demand for performance space throughout the district -Six new playgrounds designed for safety and accessibility, as the final step in our plan to provide new playgrounds at ALL elementary schools, and supporting our mission of equity across the district
When would construction projects begin and end?
The design process would begin directly following voter approval, in May 2026. Based on current conceptual plans, construction projects would begin in 2028 and end in 2032.
I have ideas! How can i be involved in the design process?
The district encourages all community members to join the design process, which will begin in May 2026, pending voter approval. Please fill out the below form to receive more information regarding participation in the community design process.
How does Kentwood Public Schools' debt rate compare to other districts in Kent County?
Kentwood Public Schools has the second lowest debt millage rate, out of 20 districts located within the Kent Intermediate School District. A debt millage is a voter-approved local property tax that funds school construction projects.
How much money would the Safety + Success Bond generate?
If approved, the proposed debt millage rate of 4.5 mills would generate $125 million for facility projects, restoring the district's debt to the amount previously held in 2011, while maintaining the second lowest rate for a school district in the County.
How would my property taxes be impacted?
The tax would be paid for by property owners in the Kentwood Public School voting jurisdiction. In Michigan, one mill of property tax equals $1.00 for every $1,000 of a property’s taxable value. For the average homeowner in Kentwood, with a home value of $321,000 (taxable value of $160,500), the proposed rate change is equal to an additional $6.68/month, based on current property values.
How does this bond build on past community-supported improvements?
The community voted in favor of KPS bond proposals in 2015 and 2021, for $64.8 million and $192.2 million, respectively. 2021 bond projects are nearing completion and would be fully complete before the projects from this bond would commence. As a growing district, with 24 buildings that serve over 9,600 students, a bond proposal cadence of every 5-6 years provides continuous updates to our facilities and ensuring modern and updated learning environments for our kids.
How is this different from the Kent ISD millage last November?
On November 4, 2025, Kent Intermediate School District had an enhancement millage county-wide which provides funding for student programming. This bond proposal is for facilities improvements within our district.
Will the City of Kentwood provide in-person "early voting" opportunities for the May 5, 2026 election?
Per the City of Kentwood Clerk, there will be no in-person early voting sites for the May 2026 election. Registered voters may vote before May 5 using an absentee ballot.
When will absentee ballots be available?
Absentee ballots for the May election will be available starting in March. Any registered voter can request an absentee (mail-in) ballot by 5pm on May 1.
If I rent a house, can I vote?
Yes, if you rent a house you can still vote. You must be a registered voter in the city or township you are living in and live within the school district’s boundaries.
For more information on school finance watch this 3-minute video.