KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Kalamazoo Public Schools has a wish list, but they will be depending on voters, not Santa to bring it home.
The total list came in at about half billion dollars, but its been whittled way down following a series of public input sessions, bond committee meetings, and staff reviews.
KPS Finance Director Jim English says it now stands at $197 million, the amount that would be covered if voters renew the current millage next spring.
He says they have tested the items on their list with an EPIC-MRA Survey of Kalamazoo voters, he says the survey showed there is support.
English says topping the list is new technology, replacing El Sol Elementary, and maintaining the aging infrastructure like roofing, paving, upgrading heating and cooling systems, school buses, pool repairs, and replacing portable classrooms with permanent ones.
School board trustee Ken Greschak has reservations about one item lower on the list of priorities, which is artificial turf for the football fields. Superintendent Dr. Rita Raichoudhuri says that came from the public sessions, and that most other schools in the Southwest Michigan Athletic Conference where Kalamazoo Central and Loy Norrix play have artificial turf
English says he will return in December with a formal request that the board put the bond millage renewal on the May 2022 ballot.
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