The recently rejected $155,000,000 bond proposal included upgrades to the performing arts center, new 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 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 a multipurpose facility located on the high school property making up the bulk of proposal 2.
GHAPS Superintendent Scott Grimes discussed a future plan during the July 17, 2023, Board of Education (BOE) meeting. (4:47) “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.”
To many voters who responded to the King Media failed bond survey, there was a sentiment that the GHAPS bond proposal was not about addressing specific needs, but rather about continuing to collect as much money as possible from taxpayers. District officials continually stated that resident’s taxes would not increase if the bond passed. Rather, existing bonds would be refinanced with new bonds and would be repaid over the next 20 years. To many voters the bond felt like a blank check the district could use for nearly anything they wanted. They seemed to ask for everything, but were not under any obligation to deliver what was promised; and everything they promised was extremely vague.
Grand Haven residents understand GHAPS leadership is accountable to the voters, and the public is paying attention.
GHAPS hired King Media to conduct a post-election survey and provide recommendations. Despite a King Media recommendation to not immediately present a new proposal to voters in November 2023, GHAPS ignored their advice. It seems to me that this is not so much about meeting the district’s infrastructure needs, as it is about 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?