The Van Buren Public Schools Board of Education has approved a resolution to place a bond proposal on the ballot for the Nov. 4, 2025, election.
In a news release from the school district, it is announced the $77 million proposal, offered at zero mill net increase to the current debt tax rate, aims to build on the district’s recent projects by funding renovations and upgrades across every school in the district.
This bond proposal reflects the district’s commitment to ongoing building improvements taking into account community collaboration. All proposed projects align directly with Van Buren Public Schools’ strategic plan, which was shaped by input from over 900 community stakeholders and prioritizes safe, innovative, and inclusive learning environments.
“The impact of our previous bond has been felt in every comer of our district,” said school board president Amy Pearce.
“The district has one of the area’s lowest school debt tax rates and remains committed to making prioritized improvements while not increasing the current debt millage rate of 2.98 mills.”
Key components of the proposed bond focus on improvements to help meet the strategic plan’s goals of academic excellence, inclusive learning, and career education, carried out in facilities that promote safety, accessibility, and engagement.
“At Van Buren Public Schools, we provide a safe, high-quality, and dynamic educational experience that empowers every student to thrive,” said superintendent Peter Kudlak. “Whether in a classroom, on a stage, or on the athletic field, our learning environments serve as the foundation for strong beginnings and bright futures.”
Proposed Bond Projects:
Elementary Schools
• Upgrade playgrounds and replace asphalt play pads
• Renovate media centers, cafeterias, and gymnasiums
• Replace aging flooring
• Upgrade lighting to LED
• Replace exterior doors and hardware
• Renovate classrooms and upgrade fire alarm systems at Edgemont and Rawsonville Elementary Schools
• Expand and repave the parking lot at Tyler Elementary School
Middle Schools
• Renovate large group areas not included in previous renovations
• Renovate bathrooms
• Upgrade lighting to LED
• Upgrade athletic fields at Owen and McBride Middle Schools
• Upgrade playground and site features at Owen Middle School, including improvements to the entrance drive
• Complete mechanical system upgrades at McBride Middle School
High School
• Replace aging carpet in common areas
• Upgrade the auditorium
• Renovate the media center
• Upgrade lighting to LED
• Upgrade security cameras
• Upgrade classroom technology
• Install a new PA system
• Upgrade network infrastructure
• Complete athletic upgrades, including new scoreboards, turf for baseball and softball fields, a new multipurpose turf field, and stadium bleacher improvements
• Construct a new weight room and renovate the existing one
• Install a new band tower
• Enclose the courtyard near the band and choir rooms to create new restrooms and storage
Early Childhood Center
• Construct a four-classroom addition with a new kitchen and multipurpose room to support full enrollment and anticipated growth
Operations
• Relocate the district’s bus yard, maintenance, and operations buildings to a new consolidated facility at the closed Haggerty Elementary School (This move will aim to improve operationalefficiency, reduce traffic congestion in downtown Belleville, and repurpose existing space for the development of a new, high-tech learning center)
Van Buren Public Schools continues to build upon its vision of “Strong Beginnings, Bright Futures.” The district invites families, staff, and community members to learn more and stay engaged as the November election approaches. For more information on the bond, please go to www.vanburenschools.net.
About Van Buren Public Schools
Van Buren Public Schools, located in Belleville, serves over 4,200 students across eight schools from preschool through 12th grade. Guided by the motto “Strong Beginnings, Bright Futures,” the district emphasizes academic excellence, inclusive learning environments, and career readiness through STEAM education.
With a diverse student population and a strategic plan shaped by community input, Van Buren Public Schools is committed to continuous improvement in facilities, instruction, and student support-without a projected increase the debt tax rate from the current rate, which is one of the lowest school debt tax rates in the region.
Editor’s Note: The above news release was submitted with a request for publication by the school district.