Jackson voters to consider $126 million school bond proposal in November

JACKSON, Mich. (WILX) - In the upcoming November election, Jackson voters will decide whether their school district can rely on tax dollars to make major improvements to several buildings.

“We have about 30% of our district that has air conditioning, and Jackson High is one of those spaces where it’s hard to teach and learn in a space when it’s too hot,” said Superintendent Jeremy Patterson.

Patterson said his district needs some basic upgrades like air conditioning, and not just at Jackson High School.

Other buildings with younger learners, like Middle School at Parkside need upgrades as well.

“There are buildings that are approximately 78 years old and need a lot of updates,” Patterson told News 10.

Patterson is hoping the community will help to support those updates by voting “yes” to a $126 million bond proposal.

The bond would also be used to build a brand new “innovation center” at the current site of Jackson’s historic Reynold’s Hall, which would be demolished. The second story of the site would house the district’s administration offices.

“Right now, that looks like innovation, that looks like AV, that looks like robotics, entrepreneurship and the trades,” Patterson said. “So, these are areas where our community is saying we need to produce the next round of students that have these skill sets.”

Patterson said community approval, and involvement, in this effort is a priority for the Jackson district.

Voters approved a school bond millage rate of 6.2 mills back in 2018, which was then reduced to 5.95 mills in 2024.

Patterson said this proposal would continue that millage rate, so if it passes, residents will not see their taxes go up.

“Strong schools equal strong community and that’s what we want, the best of the best with Jackson Public Schools,” Patterson said. “Our kids deserve it.”

If the bond proposal does not pass, the district will have to dip into its general fund to make the improvements.

Patterson said those dollars should be used to support teaching and learning. He adds that voters interested in learning more about the bond proposal can find a full breakdown of the plans on the district website.

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