By: Maria Allard | Warren Weekly | Published August 6, 2025
WARREN — A number of building updates and technological upgrades are on the horizon for Fitzgerald Public Schools.
During the primary election Aug. 5, voters approved two items on the ballot: a $42 million bond initiative, and a proposal to combine the district’s two sinking funds.
According to unofficial results from the Macomb County Clerk/Register of Deeds Office, the bond proposal passed with 676 “yes” votes and 499 “no” votes. The sinking fund passed with 677 “yes” votes and 496 “no” votes.
According to school officials, the $42 million bond represents a zero-tax-rate increase to residents, and it will focus on three areas: enhancing safety and security; enhancing educational spaces and technology; and upgrading school infrastructure and sites.
Now that the sinking fund initiative has been approved by the majority of the voters, the two sinking funds — currently levied at 3.15 mils — will combine to reduce the fund by 0.15 mils.
On Aug. 6, interim Superintendent Laurie Fournier issued a statement regarding the bond election.
“Fitzgerald Public Schools Board of Education and staff are very excited about the August 5th Bond and Sinking Fund Renewal Election results,” she said. “Our community has stood behind our mission and vision for elections for the past 20-plus years. From the beginning, we have engaged the community to have a voice about what they’d like to see change in our facilities and campuses.”
Because of that feedback, school officials comprised a five-year plan for improvements districtwide. The projects will be completed in three different series, which means a number of projects will be worked on at a time with funding allocated for those projects.
In the statement, Fournier said a post-election meeting will be planned within the next few weeks to begin determining a timeline, schedules and finalize a construction calendar for the Series I projects. Bond updates will be posted on the district website for the public at fitz.k12.mi.us. A complete list of projects per school building also is available on the website.
A bond is a state-approved funding process for large-scale projects. When approved by the voters, the school district sells bonds in the authorized amount and uses the bond sale proceeds to pay for the projects. The Fitzgerald bond is for 25 years and will fund building improvements, safety upgrades, classroom technology, and long-term infrastructure needs, without increasing the current tax rate.
According to school officials, the district will use the existing millage rate to secure funding for new projects under the $42 million bond to ensure that there are no additional taxes for residents. As the district’s previous bonds are paid off, the tax rate would remain unchanged with the new bond replacing the old debt.
With assistance from architectural and construction management resources, administrative staff conducted an internal review of all school facilities as part of the school district’s strategic plan. Community members, parents, guardians, staff, and students also had input on which projects were needed.
Each school has its own set of projects ranging from replacing damaged concrete sidewalks and masonry, to installing emergency alert systems and doing roof repairs. Depending on the school, work would include remodeling media centers, LED lighting replacements and more. Upgrades in technology, including computers, mobile devices, interactive whiteboards and document cameras also are included on the bond list.
The sinking fund replacement will take effect in 2026. A sinking fund is a limited property tax and a pay-as-you-go method for school districts to fund small-scale repairs without incurring interest on loans or bonds.
Sinking funds can be used for purchasing school property sites; the construction or repairs of school buildings; improvements in school security; the purchase and support of student transportation vehicles; and acquiring or upgrading technology. A sinking fund cannot be used for employee salaries, preventive maintenance or general operating costs.
Partners in Architecture, PLC, based in Mount Clemens, is the district’s architectural firm. The bond construction manager will be assigned to the district from Clark Construction Co., which is headquartered in Lansing with an office in Auburn Hills.
“There is quite a bit of post-election planning that takes place and as information develops, all stakeholders will be informed and apprised of the progress along the way,” Fournier said. “The Fitzgerald community has provided support to their schools for many, many years. We are grateful for their continued support with this election. As we transition to a new leadership team and Superintendent, our new focus to showcase will be all the wonderful initiatives we have planned for increasing student success.