Our View: Voters Should Approve Troy City School's Building Request

The modest request is the result of putting the community's needs first

Our View

In the upcoming November election, the voters of the Troy City School District face a once-in-a-generation opportunity to address a critical need in our growing and vibrant community: new schools. We wholeheartedly urge our fellow residents to cast their vote in favor of the modest 6.96 mill levy that is being requested.

Troy has long prided itself on its unwavering commitment to education and its tight-knit community. It's a place where families establish deep roots, dreams take flight, and a brighter future beckons. At the forefront of this pursuit of excellence should always stand an exceptional school system.

Our school district has consistently proven its excellence, receiving a remarkable 4.5 out of 5 stars on the state's latest report card for school districts. It particularly excels in terms of student progress and closing educational gaps, a testament to the hard work of our district’s staff and students.

One of the most compelling endorsements for this levy comes from Mr. Ben Poeppelman, the Co-Chair of the Citizens for Troy City Schools. During a presentation to the Troy City Council, he shared a pivotal moment from a parent-teacher meeting at Concord Elementary, where he was shocked by the unbearable conditions at the school. This eye-opening experience became a catalyst for his passionate advocacy for improved educational facilities for all of Troy's children.

Mr. Poeppelman is just one of many dedicated individuals who have led this grassroots effort, a campaign fueled by community leaders and residents advocating for a positive and substantive change. Their efforts have been grounded in presenting factual data and statistics that reveal the pressing need for upgrades in the Troy City School District.

Transparency, trust, and facts have been the cornerstones of this campaign. The data presented, including the fact that Troy's schools average 81 years in age compared to the national average of 42 years, highlights the urgency of modernizing our facilities to match the excellence of our educational system.

At the heart of their request lies the bond issue, a 6.96 mill combined levy split into two parts: 4.66 mills for 37 years dedicated to new school construction and 2.3 mills over 29 years, with 0.5 mills allocated for facility maintenance and the rest for high school infrastructure improvements.

The committee has emphasized the critical need for substantial infrastructure updates, encompassing safety, electrical, HVAC, and energy-efficient lighting at the high school. These upgrades are not superficial; they are essential for the school's relevance and functionality over the next 30 years. Passing this measure now would prevent the need for additional bonded dollars in the future, showcasing fiscal responsibility.

This plan goes beyond construction, with a commitment to demolishing or repurposing existing school sites, with the aim of creating green spaces. Addressing concerns about potential job losses, the committee assures the community that teacher positions will remain intact, with reductions in support staff positions occurring through attrition and retirement, not layoffs.

Financially, this plan is strengthened by guaranteed state funding of $45.6 million, underscoring the importance of passing the levy within the next two voting cycles to secure this crucial state support.

Opponents may focus on tax increases, and it's true that asking voters to increase their tax burden is never ideal. A minimum $20 monthly expense can be a significant sacrifice for families and pleas for tax relief need to be heard and respected, especially at a time when home values have risen greatly over the last few years. However, it's essential to acknowledge that the committee and the school district have put forward a very modest request, especially when considering the substantial value it would bring to our community. Homeowners will pay $20.30 per hundred thousand dollars in home value, making this investment in our school system relatively affordable.

Critics may also raise concerns about only levying property taxes and the duration of this levy. However, school levies for new buildings are tightly regulated by state law, both in terms of the taxes that can be raised and their duration. Voting "no" when the school district and committee are using the only tools at their disposal would be disingenuous.

In conclusion, our community has come together to create a building plan that addresses both current and future needs while respecting past concerns raised during failed levy attempts. This request prioritizes neighborhood-based schools for young elementary students and stands as a notably modest proposal compared to building requests in nearby districts, marking a significant departure from past unsuccessful levy campaigns.

As previously stated, this is a generational opportunity. We've all benefited from the efforts of those who came before us, and now the Troy community has an opportunity to make a positive impact on our community's youth, both today and in the future.

We urge you to vote "Yes" for this school levy, as it represents an investment in a brighter future for Troy's students and the continued growth of our thriving, united, and prosperous community. Troy's future is radiant, and supporting this bond issue is the key to unlocking its full potential.

Opposing Views Welcome

Do you have an opposing view? Do you wish for it be published here at Civic Capacity?

This publication is first and foremost a free and open platform for thoughtful discussion and if you wish to share your thoughts and feelings on this issue, they are welcome. You are not limited by word count or deadlines and we will present your ideas on this platform. If you are interested in submitted an opposing view, please send an email to william.lutz17@gmail.com.