What's fueling school districts to request up to $425M in bonds for building needs

South Lyon Schools Superintendent Steven Archibald knows $350 million is a lot of money.

But with 15 buildings in his district, varying in age from about six years to nearly 80 years, he said, that dollar amount doesn't cover the district's full list of facility needs. Archibald cited a recent study that showed the real level of capital need tops $550 million.

The district is asking voters on Tuesday to approve a $350 million bond to address the biggest needs, he said, from making roof repairs to expanding the Early Childhood Center, an effort to draw more young families to the area. The school board picked that number, he said, because it will keep the district's millage rates the same, causing no tax increases for residents.

"We try to be good stewards with the dollars they give us," Archibald said.


https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/elections/2025/11/02/whats-fueling-school-districts-request-up-to-425m-bonds-building-needs-novi-south-lyon-detroit/86934272007/