To the Journal editor:

Dear Gwinn Area Community members, as president of the Gwinn Area Community Schools Board of Education and your fellow community member, I’m writing about the critical bond issue on the May 6 ballot that will shape our district’s future.

Our progress so far: For the past 8 years, I’ve had the privilege of serving on the GACS BOE. During this time, we’ve made substantial improvements across all operational areas, of particular interest to our community are the school’s financial health and the education provided to the students we serve.

Financial success: Since 2018, we have had clean audits and now maintain a 21% fund balance, putting us in good financial standing by state standards.

Educational improvements: We’ve enhanced curricula district-wide, implementing evidence-based programs in Math and English Language Arts/Reading. We plan to continue providing evidence-based curriculum across all subjects over the next several years.

Why does a successful school need a bond? With these improvements, you might wonder why we need a bond. While we are doing well and have successfully secured grants and fundraised to meet many needs, these funding sources are simply insufficient for the comprehensive needs of running and maintaining our school district.

Our current funding covers basic operations but falls short for:

≤ Significant building repairs

≤ Critical infrastructure improvements

≤ Updates to safety and security measures

How the bond will help our community: The May 6 bond issue will address these infrastructure needs with a plan that will:

≤ Enhance safety infrastructure

≤ Expand skilled trades

≤ Provide smaller, more effective spaces

≤ Replace key building systems

≤ Improve educational infrastructure

≤ Upgrade food service infrastructure

The financial impact: Due to Michigan’s school funding structure, communities must support their local school districts through property taxes. Currently, Gwinn has the lowest tax burden of any district in our region. Even if this bond passes, we will remain in the lowest 50% for a school tax burden in the region.

Our community’s future: Schools are vital to community health. Gwinn is, in my opinion, one of the most amazing small towns in Michigan. Our school district is central to maintaining this special quality of life.

I urge you to educate yourself about this bond issue and vote on May 6 to support GACS.

Your vote will provide our children and our community with the resources needed to continue being the best small town.

For more information:

≤ Visit our website: www.gwinnschools.org

≤ Follow us on Facebook and Instagram

≤ Call us directly: 906-346-9283

≤ Attend our upcoming Board meeting on Monday, April 21 at 6 p.m. in the Gwinn Middle/High School

Library

Thank you for your continued support of our schools and community.

Sincerely,