An upcoming Marquette Area Public Schools Bond Proposal sees $59.995 million facilities plan, with Northern Michigan University students able to vote. This proposal plan targets safety, infrastructure, programming, tax impact and more.

“For many NMU students, Marquette is more than just a place to attend class; it is their current home,” said NMU student and Public Relations and Communications Support for MAPS, Courtney Larson. “For those in NMU’s School of Education, MAPS schools are primary sites for student teaching. Modernizing these facilities ensures NMU students train in high-quality, safe environments.”

Students planning to stay in the area will have a chance for their voice to make an impact on the area. This proposal follows two independent studies that identified over $100 million in total facility needs, as well as a community-wide survey.

“This proposal aims to reach every building and every student,” said Larson. “The proposal is unique because its necessity was validated by both a district-led study and a separate state-funded assessment. Both reached the same conclusion: the district’s $1.3 million annual sinking fund is no longer enough to handle $100 million in aging infrastructure.”

Some of the key areas of focus are secure entrances, upgraded communication systems, expanded camera coverage, and ADA improvements. As well as heating and ventilation systems, electrical upgrades, exterior doors and windows, lighting, building envelope improvements and other major system replacements that exceed the capacity of the district’s $1.3 million annual sinking fund.

The estimated impact is 1.55 mills, which translates to approximately $12.92 per month for a home with a $100,000 market value ($50,000 taxable value).

“This proposal is the culmination of extensive, community-driven planning designed to address over $100 million in identified facility needs,” said Larson. “Focused on the theme of “Every Building, Every Student,” the plan prioritizes safety, infrastructure, and future-ready learning. Our recent community survey indicated 53.8% support for a plan of this scale, reinforcing that this is a fiscally responsible solution aligned with public priorities.”