North Central Area Schools depleted the fund in the November ballot

POWERS, Mich. (WLUC) – If you live in the North Central School District, you will see a dwindling fund on your ballot this election.

The sinking fund would collect fees from the three mills for the next four years, raising a total of $1.4 million for the district. The district plans to use the money to replace roofs on primary and secondary school buildings, upgrade heating systems in both buildings and replace aging school buses.

North Central Area School District Superintendent Travis Depuydt says buildings in the district need repairs.

“Our high school is about 80 years old and our elementary school is about 45 years old, so most of the equipment we have in those buildings has worn out and, frankly, needs upgrading, and we’re only at the point where a lot of it is failing things at once,” Depuydt said.

The average owner of a home in the Powers area with an assessed value of $150,000 would see an annual tax increase of $225. Some residents say they continue to support the sinking fund despite tight budgets.

“I strongly support this proposal. Even though we are living in extremely difficult economic times, I just firmly believe that anything we can do as a community and in our households to support our school system and our education makes a huge difference,” said Powers resident Connie Wells . .

Under state law, money from a sinking fund can only be used for capital projects, not employee salaries or operating expenses. Depuydt says this failing fund will be an investment in North Central students.

“A yes vote is an investment in our community, an investment in our school district and an investment in our children. My highest priority as superintendent of this district is to ensure that our students have access to a safe learning environment, and to accomplish this, we must complete many projects,” Depuydt said.

Last year, U.S. News and World Report selected North Central as one of its top high schools.

Early voting is already underway in Michigan.