For Release: December 20, 2021
Contact: Rick Reo, Superintendent
269-415-5200
Paw Paw, MI – Nearly 750 Paw Paw area residents responded to Paw Paw Public Schools Community Input Survey in November. The survey results were then compiled, analyzed and interpreted by Plante Moran Cresa (PMC), a real estate consulting firm hired by the district to research various aspects of its educational, operational, financial and facility functions.
As scheduled, the results were presented by PMC at the PPPS Board of Education meeting on December 13, 2021. The results were also shared with the public last week on the district’s website.
“Seeking input directly from Paw Paw area residents about their top priorities for the district has been an integral part of how we plan for the future,” said Superintendent Rick Reo. “We have learned a great deal more from this community input survey, and now, with input from the Board of Education, we have honed in on those top priorities from a facilities planning perspective.”
In partnership with PPPS, Plante Moran Cresa (PMC) is working with the district’s architectural and engineering firm TowerPinkster and construction management firm Owen-Ames-Kimball Co. (OAK). Together, they have conducted a thorough facilities assessment and developed a facilities plan based on the critical needs, deferred maintenance needs and property enhancement needs in the district.
According to Paul Wills, Partner with Plante Moran Cresa, “In looking at the survey results and comments, it’s obvious that the level of engagement between the community of Paw Paw and the schools is high. As we assist the district with a revised facilities plan, we are confident that the proposed plan is not only fiscally responsible, but it is also driven by what the community would like to see in its schools.”
In terms of structuring a budget to address facilities project priorities from a community perspective, PMC is recommending a two-part bond proposal that would ultimately go before voters in the May 3, 2022 election. In the near term, the PPPS Board of Education will be asked to approve the two-part bond proposal at their January 10th board meeting.
Based on community input, proposal one would include Infrastructure/High Priority Items, such as necessary repairs, renovations and improvements in the schools as well as Educational/Learning Upgrades and Athletic improvements for a total of $47.5 million. At zero mills, proposal one would not result in a tax increase.
Proposal two items, which total $15.5 million, would be voted on separately. These items would include additional parking to accommodate a new multipurpose outdoor stadium at the high school campus and a secondary access drive to help ease the traffic increase. Passing both Proposal 1 and Proposal 2 would result in an estimated 0.87 mill increase.
“Hopefully, by presenting these two proposals as options on the ballot in May,” said Superintendent Reo. “voters will feel confident that we took their valuable input into consideration, and it will be up to them to decide what’s best for the community, the schools and the future of Paw Paw.”
PROPOSAL ONE:
Educational/Learning Upgrades
- Construct an Early Childhood Center
- Construct a cafeteria addition at the High School
- Construct an indoor multipurpose addition at the High School
- Add two new classrooms at both the Early Elementary and Later Elementary
Infrastructure/High Priority Items
- Complete high priority items identified in the District’s Facility Assessment. Visit www.ppps.org to view Facility Assessment.
Athletics
- Construct bathroom/concessions facility at the baseball/softball complex
PROPOSAL TWO:
- Construct an outdoor multipurpose stadium at the High School
- Construct additional parking at the High School site
- Add a secondary access drive at the High School site
To access survey results, please visit: https://www.ppps.org/page/ppps-facilities-planning
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