Superintendent Mark Bielang said new buildings would help students learn collaboratively.
“What our students need now are spaces that allow for collaboration, that allow for teamwork, that allow for interdisciplinary work, for project-based learning. Our spaces now are very traditional, and don’t allow for that,” he told WMUK.
Bielang added that new buildings would also be easier to secure, and would have air conditioning and better airflow.
“If we learned anything during this past year, we learned how important it is to bring fresh air into a space,” he said.
The proposal would not raise taxes, but would extend a current 6.85-mill levy for a decade.
Portage Public Schools bond request would replace, renovate elementary schools
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Portage School Board votes to place new bond on August ballot By Will Kriss
May 10, 2021 | 10:21 PM
The Portage School Board approved putting it on the ballot Monday night.
They had considered putting the question on the ballot last year, but low poll numbers and the pandemic convinced them to delay it until now.
Because an old bond will be retired this year, it means that, if approved, the new bond will not mean a tax hike.
Superintendent Mark Bielang says have already rebuilt the high schools, middle schools and athletic facilities, and this bond will focus on elementary schools.
“We’re fortunate to be in a very good financial situation in the district,” Bielang said. “This is huge that you can do this amount of work with no increase to the existing debt. We’re very fortunate to be in that position.”