The Grand Haven Area Public School (GHAPS) May 2023 rejected bond proposal of $155 million included upgrades to the performing arts center, musical instruments, improved playgrounds, a natatorium dehumidification system, tennis courts, construction of a multi-purpose building, modification to school building entrances, construction of a new middle school, technology investments, transportation upgrades, high school renovations, a new roof, new carpet, air handlers, and more. Now GHAPS is presenting two new bond proposals to the public on the November 7, 2023 ballot. These proposals are essentially subsets of the original proposal with construction of a new middle school making up the bulk of proposal 1, and construction of a multipurpose facility located on the high school property making up the bulk of proposal 2. The vast majority of the other items proposed in May other than a few busses, are still included. Proposal 1 is for $118.6 million and proposal 2 is for $28.3 million, making the total $146 million.
Before the May 2023 election, GHAPS leaders held a community presentation to provide information on the district’s plans for spending the bond money should the proposal pass. Little detail was provided and it was unclear how projects would be prioritized. During the event, attendees were not allowed to ask questions. Rather, GHAPS leaders answered select questions that were submitted in advance.
Voters were not satisfied and the proposal was defeated during the May 2, 2023 election. A few weeks later, GHAPS hired King Media to conduct a post-election analysis examining why the proposal failed. King Media’s extensive 56-page survey summary report described many reasons the proposal failed. A lack of trust and transparency of GHAPS leadership were clear reasons people voted no. Additionally, voters noted a lack of definition of projects, project priorities, and clarity. Residents do not like how the embezzlement was handled, do not like how parents are placated by administration, and feel GHAPS has not been transparent on many topics such as issues with the financial record keeping of the district, how the school improvement committees were formed, and how the district determined they needed $155 million.
According to GHAPS Superintendent Scott Grimes, the survey and focus group report from King Media revealed four items desired by community members.
Community members wanted choice and to have projects prioritized.
The community thought $155 million was too much money.
Community members wanted more details regarding proposed projects.
The community wanted to understand the district’s plans for Lakeshore Middle School.
During the July 17, 2023, Board of Education (BOE) meeting, GHAPS Superintendent Scott Grimes indicated that $275 million was required to cover all of the district’s needs. He stated, “If we go back for another proposal, we’re going to have to split it into at least two different proposals. We want to prioritize those things that are most needed. [] While we have, according to our facilities assessment, $275,000,000 in needs. We were looking for $155,000,000 bond proposal, but that seemed to still be a little bit of sticker shock for people.”
In August 2023, district leadership announced two new proposals would be presented to the people. To address the four concerns noted by Grimes, the original proposal would be split into two proposals. This would provide the choice desired by the community. Proposal 1 would contain the high priority projects, and proposal 2 would contain the low priority projects. This would provide the prioritization desired by the community. Since the community felt $155 million was too much money, the total amount requested was reduced by approximately $9 million, mainly by reducing the number of busses in the proposal.
To address the community’s concerns with Lakeshore Middle School, Grimes stated the district would retain ownership of that property. He said the district would make Lakeshore a green space for the community. He said the district could probably allow families to use the soccer fields and other fields as they currently do. He mentioned the district might want to put an elementary school, preschool, or the district office on the Lakeshore property. He also mentioned that there was $1.8 million in the budget to demolish Lakeshore if necessary, or possibly the district could rent it if someone was interested in doing that.
The failed bond survey summary from King Media recommended GHAPS not present a new bond proposal to the community in November 2023. King Media explained, “The community clearly wants more conversation, evaluation of options, impact studies and plans for the existing site if a move is necessary. This process can’t feel rushed or superficial –it has to be thoughtful, genuine and intentional.”
GHAPS paid a lot of money for these recommendations, yet they do not seem to be heeding the advice they purchased. It seems possible to me that this rush to pass a bond proposal has less to do with a new school for the children of Grand Haven and more to do with covering up additional undisclosed financial losses related to the embezzlement. Did you know that GHAPS seems to have additional financial losses from the embezzlement that have not been reported, and that refinancing the existing bonds will likely delay reporting for an additional 20 years?
Do you feel GHAPS is being transparent, and are they addressing your concerns?