BCPS 2021 Bond Proposal Information Brochure

GREAT THINGS
ARE HAPPENING IN
BATTLE CREEK PUBLIC SCHOOLS!
Today, there are more options for BCPS families than ever before!
We are re-imagining the middle school experience to give families even
more stellar options for every student, in every grade, at every school.
LEARN MORE AT BATTLECREEKPUBLICSCHOOLS.ORG/BOND

TRANSFORMING
OUR MIDDLE SCHOOLS,
DISTRICT AND COMMUNITY
This May, our community will have the opportunity to keep the momentum of the transformation going through a
bond measure proposal to transform the BCPS middle school experience.
IF THE MEASURE PASSES, THIS PROJECT WILL:
Transform Northwestern Middle School into a
K-8 immersive visual and performing arts
magnet academy
Transform Springfield Middle School
into a service
learning school
“
As a Realtor, it’s been exciting to witness
the district’s transformation. Schools are a
bright spot in our community once again
— I’ve been able to tell folks moving to
the area what BCPS has to offer and it
seems like there’s more to add to the list
every year.
— TALIA CHAPLAIN,
RE/MAX
Bring more businesses to the community.
Build strong local property values.
Prepare the future workforce.
Increase workers’ spending power.
BOND MEASURE DETAILS
$44.8 million bond measure
Approximately $32.4 million would go toward funding Northwestern renovations and additions to transform into a
K-8 visual and performing arts academy.
Approximately $12.4 million would go toward Springfield renovations to support its continued transition to a service
learning school.
THE COST TO TAXPAYERS:
BCPS residents would maintain the lowest millage rates of our any neighboring districts.
“
I’ve been speaking with business leaders
who are looking to relocate to the area
and they’ve been impressed with district
programs, which are creating a pipeline
of young talent ready to build their lives
in Battle Creek and contribute to the
community.
— SHABAKA GIBSON,
BATTLE CREEK UNLIMITED
Home’s Market
Value
Annual Property
Tax Increase
Average Monthly
Increase
$50,000 $37.75 $3.15
$100,000 $75.50 $6.29
$150,000 $113.25 $9.44
For about the cost of a value meal
from a fast food restaurant each
month, you can help solidify a successful future
for our students and our community!

TRANSFORMATION IS UNDERWAY!
Since 2017, we’ve been making bold, comprehensive changes to ensure that every student succeeds. The Middle School Transformation
Bond Measure, which will be on the ballot on May 4, is the next step in our transformation.
Career Academies launches at Battle Creek Central High School
(BCCHS) with the class of 2022.
GVSU partnership announced, including career counseling, summer
camps, scholarships and more.
Grace Health partnership launches, adding health centers and school
nurses in every school.
Classroom Libraries project launches to build K–8 classroom libraries
to 750–1,500 books.
New Healthcare Simulation Lab at BCCHS
opens.
English language learners are performing
above state averages.
Kindergarten readiness at BCPS is above state
average and has more than tripled since 2013.
Teacher retention hits a new high since the start
of the Transformation.
2017-18 2018-19 2019-20
2020-21
Kindergarten Success Program begins, offering a free, full-day summer
enrichment opportunity.
Increased investment in early literacy through new staff, curricula and
programming.
W.K. Kellogg Preparatory High School, the only alternative high school
of its kind in the area, relaunches and graduates its first its first class of students.
Fremont International Academy opens as the are’s only International
Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme Candidate School.
Battle Creek STEM Innovation Center (BC STEM Middle School) opens for
immersive STEM experience with outdoor education and project-based learning.
$1.5 million investment made and 2,000 Chromebooks distributed during
COVID-19 pandemic to ensure all students have access to digital learning.
LOOKING AHEAD
The next step in our transformation as a district is the proposed middle school transformation bond, which will aid Springfield Middle School’s
transition into a service learning school and create an immersive visual and performing arts magnet academy at Northwestern Middle School.

Middle School
Transformation
Bond Measure
Election Day is May 4
MAKE A PLAN
TO VOTE ON MAY 4.
MAKE A PLAN
TO VOTE ON MAY 4.
All registered voters may vote
via absentee voter ballots. Ballots will be available
by Saturday, March 20, 2021.
Visit battlecreekmi.gov/elections
for election information.
Polls are open
7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Battle Creek Public Schools
3 West Van Buren Street
Battle Creek, MI 49017