Election and Ballot Information
What is on the May 2026 ballot?
On May 5, 2026, voters in the Ingham Intermediate School District boundaries will be asked to consider a special education bond proposal for capital improvements. If approved, the proposed bond would generate approximately $99,960,000 for special education facilities, including Beekman Center and Heartwood School, serving students who are residents of the 12 local school districts within the Ingham ISD service area boundaries.
Would this ballot proposal increase the tax millage rate?
Yes, this ballot would increase the tax millage rate by 0.55 mill in the first year, with the millage rate expecting to drop in later years.
What is a school bond?
A school bond is similar to a home mortgage. It allows the District to borrow money for major construction, renovation, or equipment projects and repay it over time through property taxes. Bonds provide long-term funding for facility improvements.
Please explain what Bond program money can and cannot be used for?
Bond proceeds CAN be used for the following items:
- Construction and remodeling of facilities
- Purchase of instructional technology equipment
- Equipment and furniture
- Site improvements
- Purchase of buses (not planned for this bond)
Bond proceeds CANNOT be used for the following items:
- Salaries and wages
- General operating expenses and maintenance
- Classroom supplies and textbooks
- Administrative costs
How does a bond differ from a special education millage?
A bond is a lump-sum dollar amount that a district borrows through the sale of bonds, to fund capital projects. The bond is paid back over a period of years with interest – similar to a home mortgage. This provides the district with the ability to fund major capital projects and program improvements without impacting the general fund. Bond funds are strictly regulated and cannot be used for operations, such as salaries, utilities, and other operational expenses.
Special Education millage funds can contribute to the general budget to pay for things like special education–related salaries, utilities, and other operational expenses; additionally, these funds can be used for facility enhancements or capital projects.
