KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The Kalamazoo Public Schools will be seeking a renewal of their school improvement bonds when the current bonds expire next year.
The Board of Trustees Thursday approved putting the $197 million request on the ballot in early May. The recommendation on how to spend the money was generated mainly by a 40 member community bond committee and by staff.
Operations Director James English says they had a half-billion dollar wish list that was whittled way down so they would not have to seek a millage increase.
Some of the money will be spent to replace El Sol Elementary, which will soon be 100 years old. Three current students appeared at the meeting to explain why a new building is needed.
One proposal backed by the citizens group was to install artificial turf at the Kalamazoo Central and Loy Norrix football fields, which drew skepticism from some trustees. But English was able to convince them it made sense. He told the board more sports will be able use the turf for longer, even the band.
Last night the board also saved about $1.5 million by refinancing a previous bond issue at a lower interest rate.
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