School Funding Measures Pass in Kentwood and Wyoming Public Schools

Voters in two Kent County school districts approved funding measures on Tuesday, May 5, securing money for facility improvements and operating services in Kentwood and Wyoming Public Schools.

The Kentwood Public Schools bond proposal passed with 3,980 votes in favor, representing 56.21 percent of the vote. The 3,101 votes against represented 43.79 percent of the total.

Wyoming Public Schools voters approved the operating millage renewal with 1,841 votes in favor, representing 63.83 percent of the vote. The 1,043 votes against represented 36.17 percent of the total.

Kentwood Bond Proposal

The Kentwood Public Schools bond measure authorized a $125,330,000 bond for facilities improvements across the district. The proposal will generate funds for career and STEM-focused spaces, expanded performing arts, district-wide safety improvements, and a new Valleywood Middle School.

According to the proposal details, the estimated millage that will be levied for the proposed bonds in 2026 is 0.50 mill. This represents a 0.50 mill net increase over the prior year's levy.

The bond proposal aims to address multiple district needs through construction and renovation projects. The estimated simple average annual millage anticipated to be required to retire this bond debt is 1.34 mills.

Wyoming Millage Renewal

The Wyoming Public Schools millage renewal allows the district to continue levying taxes for staff, transportation, and classroom services. The millage applies only to non-homestead properties, including rental homes, vacation properties, commercial properties, and industrial properties.

Homeowners whose primary residence is in the district will not pay the levy. This distinction means the funding measure directly affects property owners without primary residences in the Wyoming Public Schools district.

The proposal will allow the school district to continue to levy the statutory rate of not to exceed 18 mills on all property except principal residence and other property exempted by law.

Voting Context

Both measures appeared on the May 5 ballot for voters in the surrounding area. The Kentwood bond proposal and Wyoming millage renewal represent significant funding decisions for the communities affected by these school districts.

The unconfirmed results came from the Kent County Clerk's Office. Official certification of the results may follow in subsequent days.

Both measures passed with clear majorities, reflecting voter support for continued investment in the public education systems serving Kentwood and Wyoming residents.

"The millage applies only to non-homestead properties, including rental homes, vacation properties, commercial properties, and industrial properties. Homeowners whose primary residence is in the district will not pay the levy."

The funding decisions will impact students and families across both districts as the schools implement the approved improvements and services.

Next Steps

School district officials will begin the implementation process following official certification of the election results. The bond measure will require construction projects for facilities improvements and the new Valleywood Middle School.

The millage renewal will continue funding for operating expenses including staff salaries, transportation costs, and classroom resources for the next 10 years.