The November 7th election was one for the record books. Over 13,600 voters in the Grand Haven Area Public School (GHAPS) district came out to vote on two GHAPS bond proposals, totaling more than $146,000,000. The proposals were almost identical to a May 2023 $155,000,000 school bond proposal that failed. In previous years, school bond proposals typically drew only a small number of voters to the polls: 3,500 to 5,000 voters. However, both elections this year saw record numbers of residents participating in the election process as increased efforts were made by school district leaders and citizen groups to bring more people to the polls.
A closer look at voter turnout shows an increase in the number of voters in the November 2023 election compared to the May 2023 election for all 19 precincts that make up the GHAPS School District. With the school bond proposals being the only items on the ballot for the majority of precincts, the increase in the number of voters in November is very impressive.
Ottawa County Elections Results – November 7, 2023
With several items on the ballot, the City of Haven had the largest increase in voter turnout: 41% to 65%. In addition to the school bonds, the City’s ballot contained the BLP city charter change proposal, as well as mayor, and city council members. Grand Haven Township Precincts had the lowest percentage increase of voter turnout: 16% to 20%.
GHAPS placed two proposals on the November ballot. Proposal 1 included a new middle school along with buses and critical infrastructure, technology, and security projects in the amount of $118,315,00. Proposal 2 included a new multi-purpose building, musical instruments, performing arts facilities upgrades, and additional infrastructure upgrades and renovations for $28,660,000. During the weeks leading up to the election, district leaders made themselves available to answer questions during in-person meetings and provided opportunities for residents to tour Lakeshore Middle School. More information on the bonding proposal was available on the district website. There were yard signs, social media posts, mailers, radio ads and endorsements. A lot of effort went into getting more residents to vote. It worked, but the result was the same. Both bond proposals failed to pass.
Proposal 1: 56% NO to 44% for YES.
Proposal 2: 53.8% NO to 46.2% for YES.
Ottawa County Elections Results – November 7, 2023
Ottawa County Elections Results – November 7, 2023
Ottawa County Elections Results – November 7, 2023
Reviewing voter data by precinct reveals some interesting information regarding the school bond proposal results. Only three out of the seven precincts that voted YES for the May 2023 proposal, also voted YES for at least one of the two proposals on the November ballot. These were City of Grand Haven 2, Grand Haven Township 5 and Grand Haven Township 6. Grand Haven Township 6 was the only precinct to pass November bond proposal 1 (52%). Respectively, 68% and 69% of Robinson Township residents were opposed to both proposals. In addition, Port Sheldon Township 1 and 2 passed the May bond proposal with the largest margin (62%) but failed to pass either of the two November bond proposals.
It is very clear; voters do not want the extra tax burden of funding hundreds of millions of dollars in school bonds without a say on how the funds will be spent. Not once but twice voters have said NO! Hopefully, school leaders will respect the concerns of parents and community members voiced by these election results, and include not just a select few, but all of them in the conversation before proposing another bond.