Jackson, Michigan voters delivered a $126 million bond victory for Jackson Public Schools in the Nov. 4 election. With a narrow margin of 3,683 to 3,262, or 53% affirmative, the measure will underwrite a major infrastructure and construction program across the district.
A key change will bring air-conditioning and other HVAC upgrades to address the fact that most buildings lack cooling systems. Other upgrades include improved pathways and science labs at Jackson High School, cafeteria renovations, stadium improvements and electrical and mechanical updates.
One controversial element involves the 1930s-era Reynolds Hall currently housing district offices. Some community members oppose its demolition. In its place the district plans to build a new state-of-the-art Innovation Center on the high school campus where students will learn trade and technical skills and where the administration offices will be relocated. The project is still in early design and the district may preserve some elements of Reynolds Hall.
Design work is expected to begin in January 2026, and the district projects completion of all major projects around 2030.
Because the bond replaces existing debt rather than raising the levy the debt millage rate will remain at 5.95 mills. District leaders say maintaining the rate allows general-fund dollars to remain focused on day-to-day operations rather than capital costs.
Photo by Caleb Oquendo from Pexels
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