Voters in the Bruce Public School District on April 6, 2021 approved an operational referendum to exceed state revenue limits by $400,000 annually for a period of five years to assist with expenses including:
- Annual maintenance projects
- Transportation needs – purchase bus annually, cameras in buses, new driver
- Technology upgrades – infrastructure, wireless access schoolwide, computer purchases
- Projects to ensure safety of students
- On-going curriculum & assessment updates
The referendum, which renewed a 2015 referendum set to expire in 2021, garnered support from about 61% of voters. The renewed referendum will expire in 2026.
"We can not thank residents enough for their support of students' education," District Administrator Pat Sturzl said. "We will be diligent in using the funds we need and monitoring our finances to ensure long-term stability."
Referendum funds approved by voters also have been used or will continue to be used for needs including:
- Roof repair
- Window & door replacement
- HVAC system upgrades
- New boiler
- Tuck pointing
- LED lighting
- Purchase new bus annually & 2 vans
- Technology upgrades continue – wireless access increased & purchase of new computers, 1-to-1 computers access at school for K-12, smartboards, new server
- Distance learning upgrades
- PolyCom purchase
- Maintain curriculum offerings
- Digital HVAC controls
- Water treatment systems
School savings since 2015
The district has worked to save money and increase efficiences. In the years after the 2015 referendum was approved, the district has taken the following steps to help maintain existing programming:
- Cash in lieu of insurance – saved $96,000 per year
- Member of a health insurance cooperative
- Switched to a high deductible HSA plan
- Short-term borrowing – established line of credit borrowing, did not had to do short term borrowing, saving $20,000 per year
- Refinanced unfunded liability – saved $15,000 per year, paid off in spring of 2020
- LED lighting – installation of LED lighting in more than 50% of the building saved $500/month on electricity
- The custodial staff installed the lights to save on labor and continue the project until completed
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