Trying for Bond Again in Farmington, Mich.

Board members in Farmington, Mich., have decided to come back to voters in November with another request for facility funding.

Sept. 1, 2013

The Farmington (Mich.) district was unable to persuade voters to support a $222 million bond proposal earlier this summer, but board members have decided to come back to voters in November with another request for facility funding.

The Nov. 5 referendum has been split into two ballot questions: a $154.6 million request that focuses on security improvements, upgrades in instructional technology and classroom remodeling; and a $31.6 million request that will enable the district to remodel high school performing arts centers and replace athletic surfaces at high schools. The first proposal must be approved in order for the second proposal to go forward.

The August proposal fell short of passage; a little less than 47 percent of voters supported the ballot question. In response, the school board trimmed $35.8 million from that request. Left out of the revised request are proposals to upgrade high school cafeterias; construct a swimming pool at one high school; and furniture acquisition.