This proposal would renew an existing non-homestead operating millage that supports the district’s day-to-day operating budget, including staffing, utilities, and educational programs.

The renewal applies only to non-principal residence and other non-exempt property, such as commercial, industrial, and some agricultural property and second homes. Primary residences are exempt. This is a renewal, not a new tax, and would allow the district to continue collecting existing operating revenue. If the renewal does not pass, the State does not replace this funding.

This proposal would renew an existing non-homestead operating millage that supports nearly 75% the district’s day-to-day operating budget, including staffing, utilities, and educational programs.

Learn More About the Non-Homestead Millage Renewal

This proposal would authorize Bridgman Public Schools to issue bonds in an amount not to exceed $21,450,000 to support facility and learning environment improvements across the district.

Projects focus on repairing and replacing aging infrastructure, including HVAC systems, roofs, building exteriors, and learning spaces. The proposal represents a zero-mill net increase, meaning there is no tax increase compared to the prior year’s levy.

Bond funds are restructed by law to facility and site improvements and cannot be used for general operating expenses (e.g. salaries, learning materials, utilities, or routine maintenance)

LEARN MORE BELOW ⬇︎

This proposal will renew millage that will expire with the 2026 tax levy and allow the school district to continue to levy its authorized operating millage rate on all property, except principal residence and other property exempted by law, for the school district to receive its full revenue per pupil foundation allowance. The remaining 0.504 mill will only be available to be levied to restore millage lost as a result of the reduction required by the Michigan Constitution of 1963, and will only be levied to the extent necessary to restore that reduction. The total operating millage levied will not exceed 8.376 mills in any year.

Shall the currently authorized millage rate limitation on the amount of taxes which may be assessed against all property, except principal residence and other property exempted by law, in Bridgman Public School District, Berrien County, Michigan, be renewed by 8.88 mills ($8.88 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) for a period of 10 years, 2027 to 2036, inclusive, to provide funds for operating purposes; the estimate of the revenue the school district will collect if the millage is approved and 8.376 mills are levied in 2027 is approximately $11,031,093 (this is a renewal of millage that will expire with the 2026 tax levy)?

Shall Bridgman Public School District, Berrien County, Michigan, borrow the sum of not to exceed Twenty-One Million Four Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($21,450,000) and issue its general obligation unlimited tax bonds therefor, in one or more series, for the purpose of: remodeling, furnishing and refurnishing, and equipping and reequipping school buildings; and developing and improving sites?

The bond referendum asks voters to consider authorizing up to $21,450,000 in bonds to support facility and learning environment improvements across Bridgman Public Schools. Bond funds would be used for building repairs, infrastructure updates, and related site improvements.

Bond funds would be used for capital improvements such as:

• HVAC and mechanical system upgrades
• Roof replacements and exterior repairs
• Classroom and learning environment improvements
• Building safety and security updates
• Related site and infrastructure work

Bond funds are restricted by law to facility and site improvements.

The bond referendum represents a zero-mill net increase, meaning there would be no net increase in school property taxes as a result of the bond proposal. The bond would be repaid within the district’s existing debt levy.

A zero-mill net increase means the bond would be structured so that no additional mills are added beyond the district’s current debt levy. Existing debt is retired as new debt is issued, keeping the overall tax rate stable.

The maximum number of years the bonds could be outstanding is up to 24 years, though the actual repayment schedule would depend on market conditions and final project timing.

No. Bond funds are legally restricted to capital purposes such as construction, renovation, equipment, and site improvements. They cannot be used for salaries, instructional programs, or day-to-day operating expenses.

Many district facilities contain aging infrastructure that is nearing or past the end of its useful life. Addressing these needs proactively helps:

• Maintain safe and functional learning environments
• Reduce long-term maintenance and operating costs
• Protect community investments in school facilities

If the bond referendum does not pass, the proposed facility improvements would not move forward at this time. The district would continue to address needs through regular maintenance and limited capital funds as available.

The bond referendum and the non-homestead operating millage renewal serve different purposes:

• The bond referendum funds facility and infrastructure improvements and represents a zero-mill net increase.
• The non-homestead operating millage renewal supports the district’s day-to-day operating budget and is a renewal of an existing millage that applies only to non-homestead property.

More information about the non-homestead operating millage renewal is available on a separate page.

Learn more about the non-homestead operating millage renewal

Michigan does not provide state funding for major school building repairs or construction. The funding Bridgman Public Schools receives from the state and federal governments is mainly used for day-to-day operations, like teachers, classroom supplies, and educational programs.

Using those operating funds for large building projects would take money away from classrooms and students. That’s why, when major repairs are needed, school districts ask local voters to approve a bond referendum. This allows the district to pay for large projects over time, similar to how homeowners finance major home repairs.

Bond funds are approved by the community and used locally to improve school buildings and learning environments.

Visit mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Voter for helpful information about where to find your local clerk, polling place, and sample ballots.

Find Your Polling Location

When do absentee ballots become available?

Absent voter ballots will be available beginning Thursday, March 26, 2026.

How do I request an absentee ballot?

Voters may request an absentee ballot through their local clerk’s office. Applications may be submitted online, by mail, or in person.

Apply for an Absentee Ballot Online

When is the deadline to request an absentee ballot by mail?

The deadline for clerks to send an absent voter ballot by mail is Friday, May 1, 2026 at 5:00 p.m.

Can I return my absentee ballot in a drop box?

Yes. Beginning March 26, 2026, secure drop boxes must be accessible 24 hours each day until 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.

Ballots must be returned by 8:00 p.m. on Election Day (May 5, 2026) to be counted.

What if I need to register to vote?

The deadline to register by mail or online is Monday, April 20, 2026.

In-person registration with proof of residency is allowed through Election Day at your local clerk’s office.

More Information

Visit https://mvic.sos.state.mi.us or contact:

Berrien County Elections
https://www.berriencounty.org/156/Elections
Phone: 269-983-7111, ext. 8011

To be eligible to register to vote you must be:

• A Michigan resident (at the time you register) and a resident in the school district boundaries.
• A United States citizen.
• At least 18 years of age (when you vote).
• Not currently serving a sentence in jail or prison.
• You can register when you are 17.5 years old, but you can’t vote until you’re 18.

Proof of residency if registering within two weeks of Election
If you register within 14 days of Election Day, you must show proof of where you live. Documents must have your name and current address. You can show a digital copy of documents. Acceptable documents include:

• Michigan driver’s license or state ID
• Current utility bill
• Bank statement
• Paycheck or government check
• Other government document