Birch Run Area Schools

Birch Run Area Schools May 2025 Ballot Proposals

The Birch Run Area Schools Board of Education, Administration and Future Committee have been working for over a year to identify and prioritize the future needs of our district. After examination of our current facilities and discussion by various stakeholders, the District is excited to be pursuing a Bond proposal in May 2025. The pursuit of this bond aligns with our Strategic Plan that was established in 2022. If passed, the bond will give the district the opportunity to address many needs, as well as, building toward the future.

What projects are planned with the Bond Funds?

The majority of the bond projects can be categorized under 5 areas:

A graphic outlining many of the district bond projects including: Upgrading many district roofs and boilers to ensure safe and efficient facilities. Upgraded skilled trades space to give our students the opportunity to learn skills they will be able to use in the workforce. Expanding our elementary school by adding much-needed classrooms to accommodate our growing preschool student population. Enhancing our athletic complexes—both indoor and outdoor—to improve spaces that benefit students, athletes, and the wider community. Building a Performing Arts Center to provide our students, especially those in our Arts programs, with the facilities they deserve..

Upcoming Town Hall Meetings

If you are interested in learning more about the bond proposal, join us at one of the following Town Hall Meetings:

Thursday March 13 at 4pm - Birch Run High School Media Center
Thursday March 13 at 6pm - Birch Run High School Media Center
Monday March 31 at 6pm - Birch Run High School Media Center
Wednesday April 2 at 9am - Panther Pack Cafe

An important consequence of establishing well-resourced schools is they become engines of community development... -David Arsen

So what exactly is on the ballot?

There will be two proposals on the May 2025 ballot for Birch Run Area Schools residents. The first is the Operating Millage Renewal. The second is the Bond Proposal. Check out the actual language.

Operating Millage and Bond Proposal

Understanding the Ballot Language

Understanding School Funding

Operating Millages

Operating Millages make up a portion of the per pupil funding established by the state. For the 2024-2025 school year, the state set the per pupil funding rate for school districts at $9608 per student. However, the state expects each local district to collect a portion of that $9608 through passing and collecting an Operating Millage. In other words, if Birch Run Area Schools voters don't pass an Operating Millage, our school district will not get the full per pupil funding that other school districts get.

Because of this, Operating Millages are commonplace on ballots in Michigan, as districts rely on these funds for their normal expenses (i.e. salaries, benefits, utilities, other operating costs). It is very important to note that Operating Millages are not levied on a homeowner's primary residence.

Bonds

Bonds differ significantly from Operating Millages, because they can only be used for very specific purposes. Bond funds must be used for capital projects, therefore then cannot be used for paying salaries or benefits or operating expenses. Essentially, a bond is a loan that a school district can take out in order to make significant improvements to their buildings and infrastructure. The district then levies a debt millage to pay off the bond over time.

It is very typical for school districts to use bonds to help maintain their facilities and expand their offerings. In fact, of the other 11 districts in the Saginaw Intermediate School District, all but 2 have current bonds. Furthermore, in our region, out of 20 local districts, 15 of them have passed a bond proposal since Birch Run's last bond (2012). In fact, 6 local districts (Chesaning, Clio, Durand, Swan Valley, Ovid-Elsie and Hemlock) have passed 2 bond proposals since Birch Run's last bond proposal. Furthermore, more than 30 other districts across the state have bond proposals on the ballot along with Birch Run on May 6, 2025.

Breakdown of Per Pupil Funding for Birch Run Area Schools. If the Operating Millage is not passed, Birch Run Area Schools would have to operate with 85% of the funds of other school districts.

Local Communities who have passed a bond since BR last passed a bond.

Want to learn more about School Funding? Click here to learn more.

Bond Details

While the District has worked diligently to be a good steward of the resources entrusted to it, over time large-scale facility maintenance and enhancements still become necessary. There are a number of critical needs that would be addressed by the proposed Bond. In addition, there are safety upgrades that will serve to further protect our students and staff. Finally, the district is excited about plans to add additional spaces to enhance our student experience.

The Bond proposal would renew the current millage of 2.6 mills, as well as, adding an additional 2.9 mills for a total of 5.5 mills.

Birch Run School 2025 Millage Graph

Birch Run Debt Millage Rate vs. Debt Millage Rates for Local Districts

Bond Millage Rate Comparison

The proposed 2025 debt millage rate as compared to previous Birch Run debt millage rates, the average debt millage rates of other local districts and the current Birch Run debt millage rate.

Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. Nelson Mandela

Want to know how this potential bond might impact your tax bill? Hit the button below to access a tax calculator.

Tax Calculator

The Needs

Infrastructure and Safety

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Updated door access system - One important Safety Upgrade would be an all new door access system. Modern systems allow Districts to have better control over exterior doors.

Top Priorities:

  • Roofs - Approximately 75% of the district roofs are recommended for replacement in the next 3-5 years.

  • Heating/Cooling - Modern boilers have an expected lifespan of 20 years. The district has 5 boilers that are 25+ years old and 2 more that are approaching the 20 year mark. Additionally, while the district does not have air conditioning in most spaces, there are some AC units that need replacement.

  • Door Access System - The current door access system is old and has very limited capabilities. An upgraded system would result in the most up-to-date safety features ensuring our schools are secured.

  • Aging Plumbing - At North Elementary, in particular, the age of the building is starting to create some ongoing issues with our plumbing system.

  • Flooring - Several classrooms at North Elementary need tile replacement.

  • Additional Electrical Outlets - Many classrooms at North Elementary and MGMS have 1 or 2 outlets for the entire room. In a tech heavy world, this is very limiting.

  • MGMS Playground - The playground space at MGMS is outdated and needs a facelift.

  • MGMS Parking Lot - The rear parking lot at MGMS needs to be replaced.

Early Childhood

Top Priorities:

  • Additional Classroom Space at North Elementary

    • There are more than 700 students that are educated every day at North Elementary.

    • In recent years, Birch Run has significantly increased our Preschool offerings, which has added to the crowding at North.

    • The additional classroom space would provide much needed space for our youngest Panthers.

    • Additional storage and office space would also be prioritized.

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Lack of Office Space - North Elementary is lacking in adequate office space. This results in the District having to provide Ancillary Services in the hallway.
Skilled Trades

Top Priorities:

  • Enhancing Skilled Trades spaces

    • This project emerged as a key priority for community members, aligning with the district’s goal of preparing students for diverse career pathways after graduation.

    • One of the current issues with our high school skilled trades space is that it's only outside access is to the courtyard. This limits the size of projects that are able to be created in this space.

    • As part of this effort, the bond includes funding for additional space at Birch Run High School, dedicated to Skilled Trades and Career Technical Education, ensuring students have the facilities needed to develop hands-on skills for future careers.

Arts

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Current Performance Space - Currently, our arts programs have to use a cafeteria space for performances with tables stacked behind them to try to improve the appearance. Having to use this location results in capacity and lighting issues as well.

Top Priorities:

  • Building an all Performing Arts Center

    • Many surrounding communities have an auditorium or performing arts center, which is a standard feature for both student instruction and community use.

    • Currently, Birch Run students have to perform in the cafeteria with lunch tables and vending machines as their backdrop.

    • This bond would allow us to improve the learning environment for all students.

    • Check out this document created by our Future Committee, which outlines the many ways such a space could benefit our students and the entire community.

Athletics

Top Priorities:

  • Enhancing our athletic complexes - both indoor and outdoor.

    • The bond proposal would include significant upgrades to our athletic facilities, ensuring a better environment for physical activities and sports.

    • These improvements include updating our indoor athletic facilities, sports fields and locker rooms, as well as, adding dedicated spaces for specific programs and community use.

    • The goal is to foster a well-rounded educational experience for all students, while also creating additional practice space for our young Panthers.

    • These enhancements would support both our athletic teams and extracurricular programs, contributing to the overall growth and development of our students.

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Track - The track has been patched several times and is past its life expectancy. The track is used by athletes from grades 6-12 and elementary and high school PE students.

Additional FAQs

Voting Information

Community Impact

Process and Planning

Timeline and Next Steps

Engagement and Communication