Ann Arbor Public Schools

2004 Instruction and Facilities Initiative

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Frequently Asked Questions

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1. How was the plan developed?

• In August 2003, the Superintendent and Board of Education identified a Comprehensive Facility Plan as a major goal for 2003-2004.
• Through a comprehensive facilities assessment by architects and engineers at all district buildings, the 2002 Facilities Plan was updated to reflect current needs.
• Widespread input was sought from the community, parents, staff and students through a series of well-attended community dialogues and surveys.
• A high school Concept Design Team, comprised of community members, parents, staff and students, examined best practices and developed initial program recommendations for addressing overcrowding and instructional initiatives at the districtâs comprehensive high schools.
• Extensive research was conducted on enrollment projections, pre-K-12 best practices, high school program designs, technology infusion and an analysis of operational costs.

2. What are the major features of this plan?

• New comprehensive 1600 student high school
• Remodeling of Pioneer and Huron to respond to new student capacity and program upgrades
• Modernization and improvements to all schools, K-12
• Early Childhood Development Centers
  • Centralized preschool in a remodeled facility
  • Tuition based preschool at seven satellite centers
  • Expanded, extended day option Kindergarten
• Up to date technology for every student and teacher in every school
• Extensive upgrades at Scarlett Middle School to create a model, community centered middle school
• New bus purchases
• Musical instrument replacements

3. How does this plan differ from the one proposed in June 2002?

• In 2002 a bond proposal to expand Huron and Pioneer high schools to address overcrowding was defeated. In response, administration developed the June 14, 2004 bond proposal which includes construction of a third comprehensive high school as well as renovations to every building in the district.

• The process to form the June 2004 proposal included wide spread community and staff involvement through public forums. The final plan was developed through a consensus building process.

• Because a substantial portion of the current bond debt is scheduled to be retired as this new bond proposal is initiated, the millage rate for taxpayers (sinking fund and bond) is expected to be reduced from current rates.

• A thorough review of financial projections persuaded the Board of Education and administrators that operating a third high school is financially feasible.

4. Does the Board of Education support the proposal?

On March 11, 2004, the Board voted to proceed with a June 14, 2004 bond and sinking fund proposal. On April 28, 2004, the Board placed the two proposals on the June ballot.

5. Why not just focus on solving the high school issue? Is an entire Facilities Plan necessary given the current economic times?

Through input at the community public forums, it became clear that there is demand for physical improvements at all grade levels.

6. How are neighboring districts addressing the aging and overcrowded nature of their school buildings?

Several neighboring districts in Washtenaw County are undertaking similar improvements to address issues of aging and overcrowded buildings. Chelsea, Dexter, Milan, Saline and Whitmore Lake, for example, have construction underway or have bond elections pending.

7. Why is building a third comprehensive high school a better choice than expanding Pioneer and Huron?

Voters in the 2002 bond election clearly voiced their opposition to expanding Huron and Pioneer. In addition, large high schools diminish the ability of staff to effectively serve all students. The Board has concluded based on research which has shown that both instructional and extracurricular programs are adversely impacted in large high schools.

8. How many students will the new high school accommodate?

• 1,615 students

9. Where will the new high school be located?

The district is recommending land that it currently owns at Maple/ M-14 as the site for the new high school. This site was chosen primarily because the district already owns it and it meets key criteria. The site has been thoroughly evaluated by experts including architects, engineers and construction professionals. Their consensus is that this location meets all major criteria, including:  educational programming, aesthetics, safety, air quality, noise, traffic, water, sewer, storm water, utilities, zoning and annexation. Site feasibility studies assure this project can be effectively and safely sited here within the bond and operating budget. In addition, the City of Ann Arborâs master plan has long recommended that the site be used for a high school.

10. Will road improvements be needed?  If so, where will the funding come from?

Normal road improvements such as acceleration, deceleration, and left turn lanes on Maple Road are envisioned. These improvements are funded within the bond proposal.

11. Some residents have recommended a location in Pittsfield Township for the new high school. Was it considered?

Yes, the Pittsfield Township site met many of the criteria, but its major drawback is that the district does not own it. Pittsfield Township has not planned for the site to be a high school. The site has water and sewer in the proximity, but it is not included in the Townshipâs sewer district. Therefore, this would require additional connection costs.

12. What will be done to protect the wetlands that adjoin the proposed new high school location?

The major wetlands on the site will be protected. In addition to having two wetlands studies conducted, we have walked the site with representatives of the City to get a close-up look at the wetlands and the areaâs other natural features. Itâs important to note that less than 65 percent of the total site will be used for building purposes. The district plans to leave the remaining acreage accessible to the community. The likelihood of selling any of the land is limited because of wetlands and other natural features.

13. Won't all the new building projects in the bond create more storm water problems for the Huron River Watershed?

While building in and of itself does impact the water quality, the district is committed to safe and effective storm water management. Our program will address the storm water management techniques of the past including slowing and filtering storm water before it reaches the river.

14. What will be done to prevent traffic problems at or near the new high school?

The safety of drivers, passengers and pedestrians ö along with other traffic issues - have been discussed with experts from the City of Ann Arbor, Washtenaw County, and an independent traffic engineer. All of them agree that the Maple / Mi-14 site will be workable and safe from a traffic standpoint. Improvements to the road are planned.

15. How will the addition of the new high school affect the average class size?

Planning for the new high school anticipates that class sizes do not exceed current levels.

16. Will the new high school be designed to be ãgreenä?

The new high school will be designed and constructed by architects and construction managers that are certified by the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Environmental and Energy Design (LEED) program. The building and site will seek LEED certification, which will ensure adherence to the highest national standards.

17. When will drawings or models of the proposed new high school be made public?

Drawings, models and final plans will be developed after the bond is approved.

18. What is the projected increase in the overall operating budget for three comprehensive high schools versus two?

Based on extensive staff review and external research, the projected increase in operating expenses due to the new high school will be approximately $3.7 million, which is in alignment with new high schools in other districts. The breakdown follows:

19. What are the features of the upgrades to Pioneer and Huron High Schools?

The goal for the three comprehensive high schools is to have equity in curricular and extracurricular programs. Each school will be designed with the flexibility for smaller learning communities. Some of the specific benefits at Huron and Pioneer include:

Huron High School Improvements

• Enrollment will be reduced by over 400 students reducing congestion.
• Re-locating administrators throughout the building puts them closer to the students.
• Remodeling of auditorium and construction of ãblack boxä theater.
• Construction of new chemistry lab.
• Seamless infusion of instructional technology will support all curriculum offerings.

Pioneer High School Improvements

• Enrollment will be reduced by over 1,000 students, eliminating overcrowding.
• Greater building flexibility enables more varied teaching opportunities.
• Relocating administrators throughout the building puts them closer to the students.
• Seamless infusion of instructional technology reinforces all curriculum offerings.

20. Does the new plan eliminate the need for portable units?

The plan calls for the elimination of all portable units at the high school level.

21. How do you plan to provide ãsmall learning communitiesä at Pioneer and Huron?

There will be four pods created to accommodate clusters of administrators, counselors, secretaries, and support staff serving each small learning community. There are four classrooms with flexible walls for each small learning community.

22. If renovation/construction work will occur during the school year, how will disruptions be kept to a minimum?

Our Construction Managers, the Barton Malow Company and Granger Construction have proven track records for successfully and safely delivering projects in the midst of K-12 campuses, in and adjacent to congested and occupied areas, without interfering with day-to-day operations or pedestrian safety. This includes an ever-vigilant focus on safety needs, including effective directional signage relating to students, staff, administration, and the general public as well as separation of construction from the school environment through barricades and fencing.

Other methods used to minimize disruptions include:

• Reviewing preconstruction plans and project scope documents with administrators, building principals and custodians.
• Meetings with staff during ãconstruction over coffeeä meetings before classes start to give them a chance to share their concerns (one-on-one) both during project planning and during construction.
• Meetings with student newspaper staff to publicize project plans to students.
• Meetings with PTAs and PTOs to explain construction activities to parents.
• Posting schedule plans for staff, students, and parents to view within their respective school buildings.

23. How can you ensure parity among three comprehensive high schools?

All three schools will have complete comprehensive high school facilities including theaters, music rooms, art rooms, Career and Tech Ed rooms, media centers, gyms, athletic fields, a pool, and a football stadium. All three will have a complete offering of academic and elective courses with the same departments that exist in the current schools.

There are currently some differences between Huron and Pioneer in the sense that each school has particular strengths based on staff experience and expertise and the unique history of each school. A similar dynamic will occur with a third school. Most staff members will come from the existing schools and will bring their unique strengths with them.

24. What aspects of the new high school will help attract and retain students and staff?

Classrooms will be flexible learning spaces incorporating technology as an integrated learning tool. Liberal use of natural lighting and individually adjustable heating and cooling units should create a comfortable place to teach and learn.

Science labs will have appropriate furniture and equipment to allow students to conduct both hands-on experiments as well as computer simulations. Classrooms, media center and computer labs will allow all access to technology. The Media Center will be the Îhubâ of the learning environment. Easy access to print and electronic reference material will facilitate the studentsâ research.

Specialty curricular and extra-curricular opportunities and spaces will be designed with future flexibility in mind.

Corridors will be designed to encourage easy ãway-finding.ä

Administrative offices will be located to provide easy accessibility to the students and allow visitors to be identified as they enter the building.

25. How were the K-12 Modernization projects determined and prioritized?

Staff at each school were involved in developing an improvement/renovation list using the 2001 Facilities Plan as a starting point. The construction manager, building principal and facilities staff toured each school to prioritize the plan.

26. What programming changes or new options for early childhood are being proposed?

To reflect projected growth and enrollment factors at the preschool and kindergarten level, to promote school readiness, the district is committed to providing expanded early childhood choices. Options that are being proposed include an expanded day tuition based Kindergarten that will provide a half day enrichment program.

Tuition based preschool will be expanded to seven elementary sites (Allen, Dicken, Lakewood, Mitchell, Thurston, Wines, and Northside Elementary Schools) as well as a central location (Balas II & Balas III) that will continue to include services for special needs students. Site locations will ensure accessibility for all families. The new programs will be self sufficient with respect to staffing and operational costs.

27. Why has Scarlett been identified for special treatment?

To support the districtâs goal to increase achievement, Scarlett was selected to become a Model Middle School including a community center that will incorporate math, science and technology programming. The district seeks to support the staff, students, and community to improve achievement, enrollment and overall reputation.

28. What upgrades will occur at Scarlett Middle School?

The goal is to recreate Scarlett as a model, community-centered middle school.

• 1:1 student to computer ratio (District ratio 1:3)
• Tech Hub in Media Center
• Facility enhancement
• Remodeling of every classroom
• New entrance and lobby
• New and expanded cafetorium
• High tech accommodations throughout

29. How will Special Education programs benefit from the plan?

All projects will address accessibility and Americanâs with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards. Many special education classrooms are remodeled and improved. The Technology plan calls for equity of access for special education students including assistive technology in every classroom.

30. What are the features of the technology upgrades?

• A 1:3 computing ratio at every school
• Wireless technology in all buildings
• New equipment including printers, projectors, DVD players, digital cameras, scanners, classroom sound systems and video cameras
• Sound field technology for amplification of teacherâs voice in every class
• Technology implementation in coordination with the Districtâs student achievement plan
• Parity in student access to technology
• 5 year hardware replacement schedule
• Assisted technology for special education students

31. Where does Ann Arbor stand with instructional technology in comparison to other districts?

According to State of Michigan benchmark data, Ann Arbor is significantly behind similar districts in the availability of technology tools for students and teachers. This need was a high priority among staff, parents, and other community dialogue participants.

32. Your plans call for replacing technology at all schools on a five-year cycle. With technology advancing so rapidly, is five years often enough?

A five-year cycle is an improvement over what we have now. Some computer equipment in the district is over ten years old. We are eager to improve on the five-year replacement cycle, but need to work within budget parameters.

33. How will you make sure that students have equal access to computers and other tools?

The plan calls for every school in the district to be at the same technology standard. The Districtâs Technology Plan includes a computer count at each building, by teacher and student. An allocation plan for classroom, lab and media center computers as well as all other proposed technology tools, has been completed using those counts. Cost allocations for the purchase of this equipment have been included in the bond program. Passage of the bond will allow implementation of the plan.

34. What are the plans for the current bus fleet?

The bond proposal calls for the purchase of 113 new buses to be added over the next five years at a total expenditure of nearly $7 million. This represents nearly 90 percent of the total fleet.

35. How many musical instruments will be replaced?

Approval of the bond will enable us to replace approximately one-half of the districtâs musical instrument inventory.

36. Whatâs the rationale behind including musical instrument replacement in a facilities plan?

Typically these items have been paid for from the operating fund. Using bond dollars allows the district to free up more operating funds to replace old instruments.

37. What administrative facility changes are proposed?

District administrative staff, currently located in Balas II and Balas III will be relocated to Pioneer High School.

38. What is the schedule for each component of the sinking fund and bond programs?

(Please Note: the following represents preliminary information that is subject to change. Start dates were determined based on need.)

39. How much in construction dollars (both bond and sinking fund) are being spent at each school?

(All construction amounts include bond and sinking fund dollars where applicable. Technology dollars are also included in the per building amounts)

40. What is the breakdown of total costs for the bond program?

41. What are your goals for ãmarketingä the district, i.e. how many new students do you expect to attract?

The district has set a goal to increase enrollment by two percent by 2006. In addition, we are convinced that the new high school and early childhood centers, the new technology tools, and the improvements to all buildings will attract many more students to our schools.

42. What are the benefits of the bond issue for residents who donât have students in the district?

A third comprehensive high school will free up time and space for community use at the existing high schools.

43. How much will the proposal cost the average taxpayer?

If both the bond and the sinking fund proposals are approved, the average homeownerâs taxes should be reduced by an estimated .20 mills in 2005 compared to 2004 because other debt is being retired at the same time. A homeowner can use the following calculation to estimate their individual tax reduction:

¸ of Home Market Value or Taxable Value X -.20 / 1,000

For instance, if a house market value is $200,000, the tax reduction will be calculated on ¸ value or $100,000. The calculation: $100,000 X -.20 / 1,000 = -$20/year or a tax decrease of $20 per year.

The reduction occurs because old debt and the 2002 sinking fund are being removed from tax calculations at a rate greater than the cost of the new proposals.

44. Economically, why is this a good time for a bond issue?

Financial consultants concur that this is an excellent time for a bond issue. Bond interest rates are at or near the lowest level in nearly 40 years. Additionally, the economic slowdown tends to drive down building costs. If rates hold, these two factors allow us to stretch our bond dollars and maximize the investment of tax dollars.

45. How will the district operate a third comprehensive high school?

Currently the district pays for various capital improvement projects through an existing operating fund called Capital Needs. With the approval of the bond and sinking fund millages, projects previously funded through the Capital Needs budget would now be funded through these new millages. Examples include bus purchases, musical instruments and various building upgrades. This reallocation frees up dollars to operate a third high school.

46. What is the difference between a bond issue and a sinking fund millage?

A bond issue is a lump-sum dollar amount that the district borrows, through the sale of bonds, in order to fund capital projects (such as building construction, district-wide technology implementation, etc.). Taxpayers pay the money back over a period of years, with interest; similar to a home mortgage.

A sinking fund millage is a limited property tax, considered a ãpay-as-you-goä method, for addressing building remodeling projects. State law allows a district to levy up to five mils, for no longer than 20 years. It is more like a debit-card or home equity credit line where you can access the money on-hand to pay for projects as they are completed. The district will not be paying interest for the money used.

The State of Michigan has legal requirements, restrictions and guidelines for public school districts that plan to fund capital enhancements or facility repairs through bond issues and sinking fund millage levies. The law is very specific about what is considered an allowable use and what reporting and audit requirements are expected.

47. Will money from the bond proposal or the sinking fund be used to pay teacher salaries and benefits?

No. School districts are not allowed to use funds from a bond issue for operating expenses such as teacher, administrator or employee salaries. Bond funds and sinking funds must be kept separate from operating funds.

48. Explain what the sinking fund can and cannot cover?

Sinking funds may be used for purposes for which bonds may be issued including purchasing, erecting, completing, remodeling or repairing facilities, or parts of or additions to those facilities; acquiring, preparing, developing, improving or repairing sites, or part of or additions to sites, for school buildings, structures, athletic facilities, playgrounds, or other facilities; and technology infrastructure. Technology in this case refers to wiring or materials used for installing technology. It does not include the equipment or software. This fund may be used for repair, but not for maintenance.

49. Why is the district proposing both a bond and sinking fund?

The Board of Education looked at several different funding options and decided on the combination of bond and sinking funds as the most prudent use of taxpayer dollars. Based on a pay-as-you-go arrangement, the sinking fund eliminates the extra burden of interest payments and provides for annual accountability for projects. The district has demonstrated a track record of completing promised projects as evidenced by the annual Sinking Fund Report card issued to the community each May. Because of the proven success and support of the past sinking fund, the district wishes to renew this source on a short-term approval (5-years) and to continue to make a variety of improvements to district facilities.

The bond provides funding up-front to immediately address overcrowding at the high schools, technology infusion at all levels and upgrades to other K-12 buildings.

50. How will the proposed financing plan be divided between the bond and the sinking fund?

The ballot will include a request for a $205,465,000 bond for projects such as the new high school, classroom additions, technology upgrades and other major. The sinking fund will be a request for 1.00 mil, which is estimated to generate about $35 million over a 5-year period for smaller projects throughout the district.

51. For which specific projects will the proposed sinking fund be used? 

The sinking fund projects include mechanical and electrical upgrades for Ann Arborâs 21 elementary schools, 5 middle schools and 5 high schools. Mechanical upgrades improve student comfort through appropriate heating and cooling and air quality. Typical projects include new boilers, new classroom ventilators, replacing rooftop air handling units, replacing plumbing fixtures, and air conditioning elementary school media centers and computer labs. Electrical upgrades support technology objectives and improve classroom environments. Projects include replacing outdated electrical equipment, installing security and fire alarm systems and replacing interior lighting in classrooms, as needed.

52. How will the bond and sinking fund question appear on the ballot in June?

CAPITAL PROJECTS BOND PROPOSAL

Shall the Public Schools of the City of Ann Arbor, County of Washtenaw, Michigan, borrow the principal sum of not to exceed Two Hundred Five Million Four Hundred Sixty-Five Thousand Dollars ($205,465,000) and issue its general obligation unlimited tax bonds for the purpose of defraying the cost of making the following improvements:

• constructing, furnishing and equipping a new comprehensive high school building and improving and developing the site therefor, including outdoor athletic fields and facilities;
• constructing, furnishing and equipping additions to School District buildings, including additions for early childhood programs;
• remodeling, equipping, furnishing, reequipping and refurnishing existing School District buildings;
• acquiring and installing technology equipment in the School District;
• acquiring musical instruments and school buses; and
• improving and developing sites, including athletic facilities, fields and playgrounds in the School District?

The estimated millage to be levied in 2005 to service this issue of bonds is 1.88 mills ($1.88 per $1,000 of taxable value) and the estimated simple average annual millage rate required to retire the bonds of this issue is 1.58 mills ($1.58 per $1,000 of taxable value). The bonds may be issued in one or more series, payable in the case of each series in not to exceed 25 years from the date of issue of such series. The debt millage levy required to retire all bonds of the School District currently outstanding and proposed by this ballot proposal is currently estimated to be at or below 2.29 mills.

(Under state law, bond proceeds may not be used to pay teacher or administrator salaries, routine maintenance costs or other School District operating expenses.)

SINKING FUND MILLAGE PROPOSAL

Shall the Public Schools of the City of Ann Arbor, County of Washtenaw, Michigan, be authorized to levy 1.00 mill to create a sinking fund for the purpose of the construction or repair of school buildings and the improvement and development of sites, increasing the limitation on the amount of taxes which may be imposed on taxable property in the School District for a period of five (5) years, the years 2005 to 2009, inclusive?  It is estimated that 1.00 mill ($1.00 per $1,000 of taxable valuation) would raise approximately $6,645,000 in the first year that it is levied.

(Under state law, sinking fund proceeds may not be used to pay teacher or administrator salaries.)

53. What are the key dates leading up to the June vote?

54. Where and when do I register to vote?

To vote in the June 14, 2004 Regular School Election, a person must be:

• a resident of the Ann Arbor Public School District
• registered to vote by the voter registration deadline of Monday May 17, 5:00 PM.

To register to vote, a person must be:

• a U.S. citizen
• at least 18 years of age by election day
• a resident of Michigan and the city or township where you are applying to vote

Printable voter registration forms are available on the Secretary of State web site:  (Click here to open the form directly) or you may register in person with your city, township, or county clerk or at any Secretary of State office.

NOTE: anyone using "mail-in" voter registration process MUST vote in person the FIRST time they vote (no absentee voting allowed at the first election).

Local clerk phone numbers and addresses:

• Washtenaw County Clerk: 222-6730, 200 North Main Street, Ann Arbor
• Ann Arbor City Clerk: 994-2725, 100 North Fifth Avenue, Ann Arbor
• Ann Arbor Township Clerk: 663-3418,3792 Pontiac Trail, Ann Arbor
• Lodi Township Clerk: 665-7583, 3755 Pleasant Lake Road, Ann Arbor
• Northfield Township Clerk: 449-2880, 75 Barker Road, Whitmore Lake
• Pittsfield Township Clerk: 822-3120, 6201 West Michigan Ave., Ann Arbor
• Salem Township Clerk: 1 248 349-1690, 9600 Six Mile Road, Salem
• Scio Township Clerk: 665-2123, 827 North Zeeb Road, Ann Arbor
• Superior Township Clerk: 482-6099, 3040 North Prospect Road, Ypsilanti
• Webster Township Clerk: 426-5103, 5655 Webster Church Road, Dexter

55. What is the procedure for absentee voting?

Absentee Ballot Applications will be available at all Ann Arbor Public School buildings, district libraries, and city and township clerk offices beginning on Tuesday, May 25, 2004. Complete the application and return it to the address shown at the top of the application. An Absentee Ballot will be then mailed to you. If you return the application in person to the school election office no later than 2 p.m. on Saturday, June 12, 2004, you will receive a ballot and be allowed to vote at that time.

56. Has the district selected the professional firms that will design and construct these projects?

A competitive qualification and review process was used to select both the architects and the construction managers.

• New High School & High School Renovation
  • Mitchell and Mouat & TMP Associates öArchitectural Design
  • Granger Construction ö Construction Manager
• Pre K ö 8 Renovations
  • Fanning/Howey and JJR Associates- Architectural Design
  • Barton Malow Company - Construction Manager

57. If I have questions not covered in this website, where can I get additional information?

Contact the Districtâs communication department director, Liz Margolis at 734/994-2236 or email at margolis@aaps.k12.mi.us.