2025 Bond
Board Approves Bond Offering for November Election
Mason Public Schools (MPS) is committed to creating safe, modern learning spaces that match the high-quality education our students receive.
On June 26, 2025, the MPS Board of Education (BOE) voted to place a bond proposal on the November 4, 2025, ballot. If approved, the bond would generate an estimated $66 million without raising the current tax rate for Mason homeowners.
This proposal reflects months of community engagement including work from the Bond Steering Committee and feedback from more than 1,000 community members through a survey conducted in January 2025. Based on that input and assessments of our current facilities, the bond would fund priority needs projects including:
- Extensive renovations at Mason Middle School
- High School renovations
- A new transportation facility
More information about the proposed bond can be found in this informational brochure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about the proposed bond, how school funding operates and the details of the proposed bond-supported projects in the Frequently Asked Questions.
What proposal is the November 4, 2025, ballot?
Mason Public Schools is placing a zero-tax-rate increase bond proposal on the November 4 ballot. If approved, the bond would generate approximately $66 million without raising the current tax rate of 5.68 mills for Mason homeowners.
Why is Mason Public Schools proposing a bond?
As outlined in the district’s 2023-28 Strategic Plan, the district is actively continuing its commitment to modernize our current facilities and plan for future improvements. Our district has a unique opportunity to continue the improvements needed while remaining fiscally responsible to our community and not raising the current tax rate paid by homeowners.
How is it possible that this is a zero-tax-rate increase (from the existing millage rate)?
MPS is due to pay off the bond that was issued in 1995 for school renovations. If the new bond is approved by voters, taxes collected at the current rate of 5.68 mills would generate approximately $66 million. The payments on the new bond would not require any increase to the current amount assessed to district taxpayers, resulting in a zero-tax-rate increase.
How and why was this plan developed?
The scope of this proposal was developed through various community engagement activities, including a community survey, a town hall session, and small-group informational discussions, to determine priority projects needed in the district. More than 1,000 community members took part in a survey. The results of the survey include:
| Survey Question | Community Response |
| How likely would you support keeping current taxes at 5.68 mills? | Support = 65% Oppose = 18% |
| Would you support improvements to the auditorium? | Yes: 74% No: 26% |
| What’s the best use of future bond dollars? | MMS = 6% MHS = 10% Both = 71% |
| Do you consider the following buildings to be excellent or good? | Elementary = 77% Athletics = 57% STEM = 34% (48% n/a) MMS = 34% Performing Arts = 30% (lowest value) |
| Was the 2017 bond a success? | Yes = 62% No = 13% |
How is this bond different from the 2017 bond?
The 2017 School Improvement Bond provided significant improvements to all MPS elementary schools, as well as limited improvements to Mason Middle School and Mason High School. This next phase would shift the focus to the priority needs of those two buildings, as well as our transportation facility.
How does the lottery/marijuana tax/etc. generate funds for schools? Do local districts see those dollars directly?
Lottery and marijuana taxes do provide some funding for education, and these revenues are helpful. However, these revenues can’t possibly cover what schools need.Take the lottery: In many states, it was introduced with promises of boosting school budgets, but often, it ends up replacing existing funds rather than adding to them. In Michigan, the funds get placed into the school aid fund, which provides local school districts with annual funding per student (also known as per pupil funding). It also provides funding to colleges and universities, which has increased significantly over the last 10 years. The revenue from both lottery and marijuana sales are helpful, but they are a small percentage of the overall school aid fund. In addition, the school aid fund is used for more than supporting K-12 schools in traditional ways, and it’s rare for a local district to receive a state allocation for facility needs.
What is the difference between a bond and a sinking fund?
A bond is a form of borrowing, which means taxpayers must pay back the borrowed funds over a period of years with interest. A sinking fund millage is levied, not borrowed, which means the revenues are generated from taxes and do not include the district taking on additional debt or interest expenses. A sinking fund is used on a “pay as you go” basis, and all monies collected are utilized directly to benefit the district annually.
How much does the sinking fund bring in, and what is it used for?
Mason Public Schools currently has a sinking fund that was established in 2006 and is set to expire in 2026. This fund generates approximately $850,000 annually. It operates as a "pay as you go" system, allowing the district to make cash purchases for repairs and improvements as needed without incurring debt. The sinking fund is used for various purposes, including repairs to parking lots, roofs, buildings, and athletic facilities.
Where do I register to vote?
To vote in the November 4, 2025, election, you must be a U.S. citizen, at least 18 years of age by Election Day, a resident of Michigan, and a resident of the Mason Public School District. Please visit your local township or city clerk to register to vote or visit any Secretary of State office.
If I am unable to make it to the polls on November 4, what are my options for absentee voting?
All eligible and registered voters in Michigan may now request an absentee ballot. Absentee voter applications are available beginning 40 days before every election, or Thursday, September 25, 2025.
To become an absentee voter, visit:
- www.michigan.gov/vote
- Your township or city clerk’s office
Note: Once election ballots are available in the clerk’s office, you can walk into your clerk’s office, receive an absentee application, fill it out, and immediately be given your ballot to cast your vote.
Who can I contact if I have additional questions?
Please contact Dr. Gary Kinzer by email at kinzerg@masonk12.net or by phone at 517-676- 6489 if you have any additional questions regarding the bond proposal.
2025 District Needs Survey Results
2025 District Needs Survey Results
Earlier this year, Mason Public Schools (MPS) invited the community to share their input through a districtwide survey. The survey helped identify priority needs based on the feedback from more than 1,000 residents.
The survey was shared with MPS families and staff, was presented to local civic organizations, and promoted through newsletters and on social media. Respondents shared insights about the condition of district buildings, the impact of the 2017 bond and future facility needs.
Key survey results found:
- 62% of respondents reported the 2017 bond was “a success”
- 74% of respondents support major renovations to the Mason High School auditorium
- 65% of respondents “strongly supported” or “supported” the proposed bond offering that would allow for significant improvements at Mason Middle School and improvements to the high school auditorium while not raising the current tax level
Complete Survey Results
Question 1: Are you a homeowner in the district?
- Yes: 81%
- No: 19%
Question 2: What age bracket are you in?
- 18-24: 1%
- 25-34: 12%
- 35-44: 37%
- 45-54: 27%
- 55-64: 10%
- 65-74: 9%
- 75+: 3%
- Under 18: 1%
Question 3: If you have children/grandchildren (or are a student) in the district, which school(s) do they attend? Select all that apply.
- Mason High School: 23%
- Mason Middle School: 19%
- James C. Harvey Education Center: 13%
- Steele Elementary School: 10%
- North Aurelius Elementary School: 10%
- Alaiedon Elementary School: 8%
- None of the above: 17%
Question 4: How do you (and members of your household) learn about the MPS programs, activates and facilities? Select all that apply.
- Social Media: 581
- Weekly email blasts: 503
- Friends and family: 426
- MPS documents received by mail: 389
- MPS website: 334
- Newsletters: 217
- Flyers displayed in schools: 90
- Large display signs in schools: 81
- Television: 38
- Other: "staff, my kids, teachers, service clubs, I work in the district"
Question 5: Please rate your level of satisfaction with our current buildings and facilities:
| Building | Excellent | Good | Fair | Needs Improvement | Poor | N/A |
| Elementary Schools | 37% | 40% | 5% | 3% | 0% | 15% |
| Middle School | 8% | 28% | 17% | 16% | 6% | 25% |
| High School | 8% | 28% | 17% | 18% | 5% | 24% |
| High School Performing Arts | 6% | 24% | 15% | 20% | 9% | 25% |
| High School Athletic Facilities | 18% | 39% | 12% | 8% | 2% | 20% |
| STEM labs, lab spaces | 10% | 24% | 10% | 7% | 2% | 48% |
Question 6: Are you a registered voter?
- Yes 98%
- No: 2%
Question 7: Did you support the 2017 Bond program?
- Yes 65%
- No: 11%
- None of the above: 24%
Question 8: Do you feel the 2017 Bond program was a success?
- Yes: 62%
- No: 13%
- None of the above: 25%
Question 9: If no, please indicate the reason why.
- Not enough information to make an informed decision: 34%
- Perceived to be too much money: 16%
- Other: 51%
Question 10: Where do you feel bond dollars should be focused on for a future Bond program?
- Significant improvements at the Middle School: 6%
- Significant improvements at the High School: 10%
- A combination of both: 71%
- None of the above: 13%
Question 11: Please rank the following options for investing at the Middle School (first being most preferred, last being least preferred):
| 1 | 2 | 3 | |
| The most affordable option | 408 | 259 | 232 |
| Improving existing schools (renovations and additions) | 359 | 486 | 54 |
| Constructing new school | 132 | 154 | 613 |
Question 12: Would you support major renovations and improvements to the High School performing arts/auditorium?
- Yes: 74%
- No: 26%
Question 13: Would you support potentially upgrading our athletic fields to synthetic turf?
- Yes: 37%
- No: 63%
Question 14: How likely would you be to support the following strategies:
Option 1: MPS has the opportunity to issue a new school bond (pending voter approval) that would raise enough money to do significant improvements at our Middle School and limited improvements to our High School, specifically to the performing arts auditorium. These needed funds could be levied at current millage levels without raising the community’s current tax level.
| Strongly Support | Support | Neutral | Oppose | Strongly Oppose | Total |
| 35% | 30% | 16% | 9% | 9% | 100% |
| 311 | 265 | 143 | 77 | 83 | 879 |
Option 2: Propose a millage increase in line with other neighboring districts. This would allow us to expand upon Option #01 (above) and include significant renovations at the High School, as well as some of our athletic facilities. The impact of this property tax increase would be approximately $11.00 per month per $100,000 of taxable value of your home.
| Strongly Support | Support | Neutral | Oppose | Strongly Oppose | Total |
| 26% | 22% | 21% | 14% | 16% | 100% |
| 231 | 195 | 190 | 127 | 143 | 886 |
Mason Public Schools (MPS) is committed to creating safe, modern learning spaces that match the high-quality education our students receive. On June 26, 2025, the MPS Board of Education (BOE) voted to place a bond proposal on the November 4, 2025, ballot. If approved, the bond would generate an estimated $66 million without raising the current tax rate for Mason homeowners.
During a community informational meeting on May 12, 2025, the School Bond Committee shared details about a proposed School Improvement Bond. The committee reviewed the outcomes of the 2017 bond, shared results of the January 2025 community survey, gave an overview of the proposed bond and provided additional details outlining how funds would be allocated.
The proposed bond would be a zero mil increase School Improvement Bond expected to yield approximately $65 million dollars. If approved, the bond would fund major renovations at Mason Middle School, improvements and upgrades to the Mason High School auditorium, and a new transportation facility. It would also support technology enhancements and continued building updates across the district.
Fellow Bulldogs,
In the fall of 2023, Mason Public Schools (MPS) passed a new five-year strategic plan. One of the four primary focuses of the plan is Facilities and Infrastructure improvements. The plan calls for the district to prepare for a bond initiative during the 2025 calendar year. The proposed School Improvement Bond, which will be presented to voters in November if approved by the Board of Education at the June 26 budget hearing, would request the Board NOT raise taxes from the 2025 assessment level.
Community members are invited to an Informational Meeting on Monday, May 12 at 6 pm at Mason City Hall to learn more about the recommended School Improvement Bond which will be presented to the Board of Education in June.
