Safety Concerns Drive $64 Million Bond Proposal at Vicksburg Community Schools

*VICKSBURG, Mich.* — Vicksburg Community Schools is asking voters to approve a $64.1 million bond on the May 5 ballot to address aging facilities and improve safety throughout the district.

Superintendent Keevin O'Neill said the proposal focuses on three key areas: safety and security, replacing aging infrastructure, and enhancing student learning and programming.

"We need to start from scratch and build a new complex that will last this community for hopefully another 25 years," O'Neill said regarding the tennis courts. "There's some safety concerns there."

The district currently cannot host home tennis events due to deep cracks in the courts after more than 20 years of use.

Transportation Center Needs Relocation

The transportation center is another critical project. Located in the middle of the middle school pick-up and drop-off area, the facility has exceeded its repair life.

"We have large lines of people while our busses are moving out, while our kids are walking through there," O'Neill said. "We definitely want to move that facility and build a new one elsewhere so we don't have that safety concern on a daily basis."

The current building is located at 301 S. Kalamazoo Ave, in the heart of the campus near the administration building. The new facility would be built off campus to reduce traffic congestion during busy pickup times.

Security Improvements Include Secure Vestibules

The bond proposal includes adding secure vestibules to building entrances throughout the district. This would immediately reroute guests through the office to increase safety.

"Safety and security are the priorities for the bond," O'Neill said.

Other security upgrades include replacing exterior and interior doors, hardware, and the fire alarm system. The district also plans to upgrade parking and traffic at building sites.

Additional Projects Include Auxiliary Gym and Outdoor Education Center

The bond would fund building an auxiliary gym so the district can keep its competitive cheer program in-house. Currently, the district rents a facility in Schoolcraft for cheer practices.

"This auxiliary gym would allow those athletes and students to stay here and practice," O'Neill said. "We're one of the few districts that don't have an extra practice space. We desperately need it."

The district also plans to replace the aging outdoor education center and upgrade the performing arts center.

Tax Impact

If approved by voters, the bond would levy 3.83 mills in 2026. O'Neill said the millage rate would replace mills that are expiring, meaning voters would not see a net increase in their tax rate.

The average millage rate required to retire the bond is 3.98 mills, for up to 20 years. A resident with a $200,000 home (with a $100,000 taxable value) would pay an average of $398 per year toward this bond for up to 20 years, according to MLive.

"I think the community recognizes strong schools, strong community," O'Neill said. "We want our students to have the best and this is a great opportunity to do that."

The district is remaining cautiously optimistic after two approved bond cycles under O'Neill's leadership in 2014 and 2020.

For more information on proposed projects, voters can visit the district website's bond page at https://www.vicksburgschools.org/vcs-2026-bond/.