• Install new playground equipment

• Renovate kitchen

• Replace portion of roof over gym, library, and classroom

• Replace exhaust fans

• Replace hot water piping for floor mounted ventilators

• Replace floor mounted ventilators

• Replace ventilators at computer labs

• Replace north horseshoe parking lot

• Replace back parking lot

• Install occupancy sensors for efficiency

• Replace all existing branch circuit panel board, power

  panels, and main service panel

• Install new emergency generator

• Purchase new student technology devices

• Install new flexible seating/furniture in classrooms

• Abate asbestos classroom ceilings and flooring

• Abate asbestos mechanical piping

• Install new acoustical ceiling system in classrooms

• Replace existing steam heating system with hot water heating system

• Improve air handling efficiency systems

• Replace light fixtures in classrooms with LED and occupancy sensors

• Replace all existing branch circuit panel board, power panels, main service panel, and branch power to new HVAC

• Remodel kitchen

• Reconstruct brown brick at pool

• Update and repair locker rooms

• Replace roof at weight room and classrooms 208-210

• Install emergency generator

• Purchase new student technology devices

• Update auditorium furnishings such as seating, lighting, and sound systems

• Construct addition of handicap accessible toilet room at soccer field

• Replace existing roof system at Bus Garage

• Purchase new buses

• Provide office space to free up classrooms at both OHS and RES for students due to growth with the construction and sitework for a new Community Center

• Purchase office furniture

• Purchase new devices, computers, and projectors

• Provide citizens venue to enhance health and quality of life

A mill rate is a tax rate expressed as an amount of tax payable per dollar of the assessed value of a property. With regard to the bond initiative, a mill is equal to $1 in property tax levied per $1,000 of a property's assessed value.

A zero mill increase from current levy, put simply, means that, if passed, there would be no new increase in property tax rates.

Contact:

Scott Moore, Superintendent of Schools

moores@oscodaschools.org

(989)739-2033

Q: You have the bond proposal for $20.8 million dollars. Will this take care of all of our needs?

A:This Bond Proposal, along with the current Sinking Fund Millage should position our District to provide for the needs of our community assuming the Sinking Fund is carried forward into the future.

Q: Are the proposed improvements in alignment with the District's overall Mission and Goals?

A: Yes, "The mission of Oscoda Area Schools (OAS), through partnership with the home and community is to deliver comprehensive and challenging learning experiences, preparing all students to become productive, responsible members of society." Designing a community center on campus further promotes the partnership the District desires in collaboration with all of our constituents.

Q: Does the Board of Education support the proposal?

A: The Board of Education has unanimously been in support of this Bond Proposal and has been involved at all stages of the design.

Q: What is the Board doing to support this proposal?

A: The Board is willing to send representatives to any organization or individual to discuss the benefits and costs of this proposal. Please contact Scott Moore, Superintendent of Schools to arrange to have a representative discuss the details of this bond proposal with you or your organization.

Q: How can we be assured that the District won't be asking for additional improvements (bond issues) in the future?

A: Unless there is significant enrollment increase (the District has conducted an exhaustive enrollment projection schedule with an organization endorsed by the State of Michigan), the facilities should be more than adequate to meet the needs of our learners and citizens that reside in our townships.

Q: What is the plan to keep facility improvement disruptions to a minimum?

A: Projects will be phased over several construction seasons and planning has been conducted that should result in no loss of instructional time for our learners.

Q: How can I request a district representative to speak at a neighborhood, service club, or business organization and who may I contact if I have additional questions?

A: Superintendent Scott Moore is available to answer your questions at (989)739-2033 or moores@oscodaschools.org

Q: What is the enrollment trend?

A: Over the past five years enrollment at OAS has continued to increase and additional classroom space is necessary. For this reason, the Community Center would house several offices that currently occupy classrooms. The District anticipates reacquiring at least four (4) additional classrooms with the construction of the Community Center.

Q: If the bond passes when will work begin and end?

A: Work will be completed over a three year period. Architectural and engineering design will begin almost immediately upon passage with the hope of work commencing in the summer of 2025 on many of the projects.

Q: What is the long term vision for the school district and its buildings?

A: The District would hope, unless there is a major population influx into our community, that these facilities would be adequate to service the needs of our students and the community for many decades to come.

Q: What process did the District use to re-develop this bond request?

A: The District solicited input in the form of community forums and surveys on several occasions to develop our request. In addition, the District has commissioned Construction Managers, architects, and engineers to conduct facility needs assessments. Using these resources, the District has compiled these projects in an effort to meet the identified needs of the students and community.

Q: Will bond dollars be used for staff salaries or other district expenses?

A: Bond proceeds CANNOT be used, by law, for general operating expenses, wages, and maintenance. Classroom textbooks or educational materials, administration, professionals, or support staff benefits, salaries and wages, are all not permissible uses of Bond funds.

Q: Will special emphasis be placed on hiring local contractors and suppliers?

A: There are laws that govern distribution of work related to public funds and the District is committed to strict adherence to the law. That said, the District has a long history of partnering with local contractors and the hope is to continue utilizing the skills and talents of our local workforce to the extent feasible by law and in consideration of managing public funds to be as efficient as possible.

Q: Will there be additional public meetings to learn more about the bond proposal?

A: Yes, we will publish dates and times of upcoming informational meetings on this webpage in the future. Alternatively, you can reach out to the Superintendent directly with input, questions, or concerns.

Q: What happens if the bond doesn't pass?

A: The District would have to bring another initiative to voters that would have a plan for remediation of asbestos pertaining to the heat systems and heat conversion as the steam system (approximately $7.5 million) MUST be addressed at Oscoda High School as a priority soon. The District would not be able to provide a Community Center and several areas laden with asbestos would remain. In addition, students would have outdated classrooms, technology, buses, and playground equipment.

Q: I have seen the figures listed for costs of items. Why are they so expensive?

A: All construction work must include prevailing wages set by the Federal Government. In addition, since 2019, construction costs have increased, industry-wide, by approximately 40%.