MAPS Bond Town Hall of March 2, 2026

The Marquette Area Public Schools held a MAPS Bond Town Hall on March 2, 2026, to discuss a proposed $60 million bond initiative aimed at addressing critical infrastructure needs across the district's seven buildings, which total over 750,000 square feet and average 60 years in age. The bond proposal focuses on three pillars: safety, infrastructure, and programming, with significant investments planned for HVAC, electrical, plumbing systems, ADA improvements, and career and technical education spaces. The district highlighted that current sinking fund revenues of about $1.3 million annually are insufficient to cover the approximately $3 million yearly infrastructure expenses, necessitating the bond. The bond would result in a 1.55 mill tax increase, estimated at about $77.50 annually for a property with a taxable value of $50,000, and would be repaid over 28 years in phased borrowing to minimize interest costs. The board unanimously approved placing the bond proposal on the May 5, 2026 ballot, and community survey data showed 69% overall support for the plan. The meeting also addressed the long-term infrastructure needs exceeding $100 million and the possibility of future bond proposals to cover additional projects.