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Information on the bond proposal can be found at www.dearbornschools.org/bond. We continue to update our frequently asked questions Here is a video recording of a recent presentation on the proposed bond. Absentee ballots are now available from the City Clerk's office for those who are interested in voting early. The district bond website has an explanation of the ballot language, which is also available in Arabic. The 2026 transformational bond changes, but would not increase, the total tax rate for Dearborn homeowners. The ballot language tells voters that the bond would increase taxes by 3.14 percent the first year and an estimated 5.67 percent over the life of the bond. However, other taxes would be reduced to offset any increases from the bond. The school district would waive the 2.18 mill operating tax that it uses for regular expenses. The City of Dearborn also has a debt for a sewer project from years ago that is starting to fall off. Together, those tax reductions would equal the 3.14 increase expected next year if the bond is passed. If the bond fails, the district would need to continue to collect the operating millage to pay for critical building maintenance. Learn more about the tax rates and how different property owners would be impacted by the bond on the 2026 transformational bond website. ♦♦♦♦♦ Dearborn Public Schools is asking voters to approve a bond that will replace or completely remodel every school in the district over the course of 20 years. Six new preschool through eighth grade buildings will be built - all serving as neighborhood schools. The three traditional high schools - Dearborn High, Fordson, and Edsel Ford - will receive more than $220 million in improvements. Plans include expanding free preschool sites, adding more hands-on career classrooms in middle school, creating STEAM labs, and improving special education spaces. In the first three years, every student would see building improvements such as more secure entryways, new restrooms, new roofs, technology upgrades, and more. When the bond is complete, every school in the district would be air conditioned. Bond work would be done in four phases, with community input as each phase of the work is being planned. If approved, the bond would not change the total tax rates for Dearborn homeowners. While the ballot language will ask for a 3.14 mill increase, that increase will be offset by other reductions in Dearborn. The City of Dearborn has a combined sewer overflow bond that is falling off of tax bills. Also, the district would waive its 2.18 operating millage if the bond passes. Together, those reductions would equal the increase from the bond. Parents, residents and other stakeholders are encouraged to learn more about the bond during one of the community meetings. “This bond has the chance to remake Dearborn Public Schools for our current students and for the next generations of learners,” said Superintendent Mike Esseily. “With this bond, we can provide every student with modern, welcoming, healthy spaces to grow, explore, learn, and thrive.” To see the full list of bond dates, visit the First Bell website. |
