On Tuesday March 8, voters in the Waterford School District will be asked if they want to support a millage that would raise $100 million for the schools.
7 Action News asked school leaders what the money would be used for if approved.
Much of it would go towards improving aging buildings. The superintendent showed us some problems inside Pierce Middle School. It was built in 1957, and the boilers have never been replaced
Superintendent Keith Wunderlich says the original boilers have heated the school for almost 60 years.
"The boiler system has run very well since 1957. Recently though, we had repairs done, and we were told that there were no repairs left. We're looking at replacement,” Wunderlich said.
The cost of just the boilers is about $1.4 million. The steam boiler system is also not typically used anymore. If the school changes over to a hot water system it would save money in the long run, but cost much more upfront.
The district also has an aging bus fleet. Some are 15 or 16 years old and buses can cost around $90,000. The district also wants to repair leaking roofs, athletic facilities, and technology.
So what happens if the millage doesn’t pass? The district says it would have to use general fund dollars and may have to cut labor costs.
“We would have to have cuts in salary and keep the people, or cut jobs that aren’t required by law that we have,” Wunderlich added. “We have already had cuts, cuts, cuts. I hope the community can support this.
The cost of the millage to the owner of a $100,000 home on average would be about $300 a year. The millage would replace a millage, so it would continue the previous tax rate.
