In the Howell Public Schools district, residents recently endorsed a substantial $258 million bond measure aimed at funding the construction of new elementary schools and implementing comprehensive enhancements throughout the district. The initiative received strong support, with 60.67% of voters in favor and 39.33% against.
This financing, which could extend up to 20 years, is set to cover the costs for constructing new facilities at Northwest Elementary and Southwest Elementary, expansions at Highlander Way Middle School and Challenger Elementary, a new community center at Howell High School, and the relocation of youth baseball and softball fields to Three Fires Elementary. It will also facilitate investments across all district buildings, including modernizations, technological improvements in classrooms, and new buses. The anticipated millage rate for this project is 1.53 mills, meaning homeowners with properties valued at a taxable rate of $100,000 will contribute approximately $153 annually. Despite these new initiatives, the district’s total millage rate will remain at 5.5 mills.
District officials have prioritized several key areas for early implementation, such as security enhancements, improving air quality and ADA accessibility, updating window treatments, door locks, access systems, emergency services, and acquiring new buses. Plans are also in place to construct new two-story buildings for Northwest Elementary and Southwest Elementary, replacing structures that are nearly seven decades old. Additionally, a multifunctional community center at Howell High School will offer facilities like a 200-meter indoor track, an artificial turf field, courts for basketball, pickleball, and volleyball, as well as multi-purpose rooms, locker facilities, and concession stands, available to students and the community alike.