• NEWS FROM TRENTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS

    Today’s date:  February 8, 2018

    For release:  Immediate

    For more information:  Rodney Wakeham, Superintendent of Schools

       734/692-4510 | wakehamr@trentonschools.com

     

    Trenton Schools place bond on May 8 ballot

               The Trenton Public Schools Board of Education has unanimously approved placing a $57.1 million bond proposal on the May 8 ballot.  The Board of Education’s vote follows a review and the approval of all bond projects by the Michigan Department of Treasury.

              In preparation for the May vote, the Trenton Public Schools district has had architects and engineers conduct a facilities assessment, has developed a list of necessary projects, and has reviewed the project list with voters in a series of public forums.

              “The public forum participants expressed enthusiasm for the proposed bond and suggested the inclusion of additional projects related to safety and security, increasing instructional technology, and improving outdoor facilities at Arthurs Middle School,” said School Superintendent Rodney Wakeham.  “We have accommodated those recommendations without increasing the amount of the ballot proposal.” 

              “The bond proposal will affect every Trenton student and every Trenton school facility,” he continued.  “It will provide for remodeling and upgrades to existing schools, construction of additional kindergarten classrooms at both elementary schools, more instructional technology for students, enhancement of classrooms and physical education and athletic facilities at Trenton High School, and construction of a new facilities/maintenance building.”

              The list of projects submitted to the Michigan Department of Treasury was quite extensive, according to Wakeham.  “The proposal includes such things as replacing boilers, upgrading and replacing mechanical and electrical systems, improving classrooms, kitchens, music rooms, gyms, and parking lots.  The Michigan Department of Treasury reviewed and approved each of the items on the list.”

              School Board President Michael Hawkins believes the bond is necessary to assure that Trenton students are receiving a quality education and that the Trenton Public School District’s educational program is competitive with neighboring school districts.  “This is a win-win proposal for our students and the Trenton community,” he said.  

              The 3.99 mill bond proposal will cost a person living in a $100,000 home about 55¢ per day.  It is anticipated that most residents of the school district will pay less than 55¢ per day.

              Hawkins emphasized that voter approval of the bond proposal would support quality education programs and facilities for this generation and the next.  “I also believe a successful bond will attract new families to Trenton and have a positive affect on property values,” he said.

              Superintendent Wakeham said that the school district will produce informational materials to explain the various components and benefits of the bond proposal.  “We want to make sure members of the community understand the proposal and that all of their questions are answered before the May 8th vote,” he said.

     

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