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DOWAGIAC — Taxpayers in the Dowagiac Union Schools district will save approximately $2.4 million in bond repayment costs as a result of bond refinancing.

The Dowagiac Union Schools Board of Education passed a resolution Monday to authorize the issuance and delegation of the sale of the district’s 2026 refunding bonds.

“We’re very excited to be able to work through this process,” Blomgren said. “[DUS Director of Finance Stacy Ritchie] has been working with our financial team and our auditors to bring this forward and make this happen.”

By effectively refinancing the remaining school debt from the 2015 and 2016 bonds – approximately $39 million – the district expects to save taxpayers approximately $2.4 million. The action is expected to accelerate the reduction of the millage level for taxpayers.

“That’s a large chunk of change,” Blomgren said. “One of the bonds runs through 2031 and the other Bond runs through 2041, so those are the bonds that we currently have in debt. But through the life expectancy of those bonds, by doing this, we can expect a cost savings of $2.4 million to our school-based taxpayers. We’re excited about this opportunity.

“It’ll drive the millage that we level levee to the taxpayers down quicker, so it’s a positive,” Ritchie added.

In other business, the board approved three change orders for the high school welding project at a cost of just over $22,000. The changes primarily addressed the facility’s ventilation and exhausting system, including the ventilating hoods for the welding equipment and the need for a separate electrical source for each hood. Blomgren said the architectural engineers will pursue “give backs” from the construction company to help manage the increased costs.

The Board unanimously accepted the results of the 2024-2025 fiscal year audit, which was presented by Tyler Baker. The district is in sound financial shape, as it received an unmodified opinion from Maner Costerisan.

The district’s financial statements were found to be in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The audit did not uncover any significant deficiencies or material weaknesses in internal controls.

DUS was subject to a separate federal compliance audit because it expended over $750,000 in federal funds. The audit focused on the Child Nutrition cluster and found no issues of non-compliance, giving the district a clean opinion on its major programs.

Baker said that the general fund balance showed an increase of approximately $877,000 and as a percentage of total expenditures is approximately 26 percent. The district’s total fund balance increased by about $906,000, rising from $9.4 million to $10.3 million.

In further business, the board:

• Approved a contract with Inform Architecture and Ignite for a district-wide facility assessment and utilization study. This study, partially funded by a state grant, will evaluate all buildings and facilities.
• Approved the continuation of the Michigan Youth in Government program at the high school. The program, which offers students real-life experience with state government and mock trial, is expected to grow to 15 to 20 students this year. The students will attend a fall conference in Battle Creek.
• Approved the Humanities Club’s field trip to Chicago. The trip will allow students to experience different cultures, art, and habitats.

Superintendent’s report

Superintendent Greg Blomgren delivered his report to the school board and touched on a variety of subjects, including celebrating successful programs and recent achievements and providing updates on the district’s financial and personnel matters.

Blomgren said the district is quickly approaching the second public presentation for the sinking fund millage proposal, which will be put to a vote on Tuesday, Nov. 4. The administration is actively using social media to share simplified information, breaking down the main informational sheet into smaller facts for the community.

Blomgren also discussed the stabilization of enrollment. For the first time in five years, the district’s enrollment has stabilized,The current student count is projected to be between 1,817 and 1,820, up from 1,806 last year and reversing a prior trend of projected 50-student losses annually

The district has experienced both athletic and fine arts success in recent weeks. The varsity football team secured a share of the Lakeland Conference Championship – its first conference title in 13 years. The title is shared, resulting in a three-way tie with Berrien Springs and Buchanan.
The high school band earned a Division One rating at their latest competition, a mark not achieved since 2021. Blomgren praised director Ben VanRoekel and the band for their achievement.

“The program needed a reset and he’s been able to come here and do that in a very short period of time,” Blomgren said. “We are proud and excited of what he’s generated, what he’s created here in the school community for our band program.”

Blomgren also proposed creating a stipend for a coach to lead a combined middle and high school E-Sports team. The stipend would be 1.5 percent of the base salary, or approximately $1,500. This initiative aims to utilize existing computer and gaming equipment, recognizing the trend of colleges offering E-Sports scholarships.

The Dowagiac Union School Board approved several agenda items and received updates on major financial, academic, and facility initiatives.