Niles area voters will have an important decision to make May 5.

Niles Community Schools has placed on the ballot two bond proposals that officials say, if passed, would provide funding for improved safety, security, energy efficiency and technology in aging buildings throughout the district.

“It truly is the right time to reinvest in our schools,” said Supt. Michael Lindley. “Interest rates are very low. We can provide equity in all classrooms in all schools with an invigorated learning environment.”

The first proposal is for an estimated 2.89 mill increase equating to about $29.7 million. The second proposal is for an estimated 1.0 mill increase equating to about $10.3 million. (See graphic for explanation of what each proposal covers)

The first proposal must pass in order for the second one to pass.

How much would the proposals impact taxpayers?

According to figures provided by the district, if Proposal 1 passes, a person with a home market value of $100,000 would see property taxes increase by $12 a month, or $144.50 a year.

If Proposal 2 passes, that same person would see property taxes increase an additional $4 a month, or $50 a year.

Lindley said the district is asking for bonds because it does not have enough money in the general fund to pay for such large capital investments.

“Our per pupil foundation allowance is $200 less per pupil than it was in 2008,” he said. “Although we are solvent financially, it would be impossible to improve our schools with the general fund. Bonding is the way to make the magnitude of improvements we need to ensure the future success of the entire Niles Community.”

Lindley said Niles Community Schools is currently debt free with a one-mill sinking fund that pays for repairs and maintenance on a cash basis.

Lindley said nearly all surrounding school districts have made improvements to school facilities by using bond issues and millage increases. Niles currently has the lowest bond and millage rates when compared to neighboring districts.

“If both proposals pass, we would have a similar debt levy to St. Joseph, but less than Brandywine and Buchanan,” he said. “While being debt free has its benefits, the negatives of having outdated school facilities, where our children are at a disadvantage to peers across the region, outweighs such benefits.”

What would the bond proposals pay for?

• Safety and security upgrades — Safety and security will be integrated into each school by adding emergency lighting, replacing outdated exit signage, adding a modern fire alarm system and creating secure entrances. Upgraded surveillance cameras and additional card access systems will be installed as necessary.

• Energy efficiency upgrades — Single-pane window systems will be replaced with an insulated window system to save heat loss in the winter and reduce heat loss in the summer. A new temperature control system will be added.

• Technology upgrades — Wi-Fi will be upgraded and expanded throughout the district. The public announcement and phone systems will be replaced. Classrooms will be provided with new technology such as projectors, tablets and/or computers capable of supporting the development of 21st Century presentation skills that meet national and state standards.

• Building/site/mechanical/electrical upgrades — Outdated and inefficient heating and electrical systems will be either be improved or replaced. Bathrooms will be upgraded throughout the district. New furnishings will be installed.

The proposals would also allow the district to close outdated facilities and repurpose others:

• James Ellis students would be relocated to Howard-Ellis Elementary School with a new addition. James Ellis would close.

• Oak Manor students will be relocated to Ring Lardner. Oak Manor would become facility for alternative and adult education.

• Cedar Lane students will be relocated to Oak Manor.

• The Westside Administration building will close.

The district currently does not have a definitive plan for what it will do with the closed buildings of Westside, Cedar Lane and James Ellis.

If neither bond proposal passes, Lindley said he would recommend the board have focus groups and/or surveys to determine why they failed. He would also recommend that a modified proposal be brought before voters again at the first available election.

If the first proposal passes, Lindley said the district would accomplish most of its goals.

“However, most of these improvements are in the walls, boiler rooms, bathrooms, etc…,” Lindley said. “While these changes are essential, we would still have cabinetry and furnishings that are outdated. It would look like the job went unfinished and taxpayers would wonder where the funds were spent. Proposal Two allows us to finish the interiors of all schools and create 21st Century learning environments to help ensure the community’s children are prepared for success.”

More information about the bond can be found on the district’s website: nilesschools.org.