By Michelle Allen
As a long-time community member, multi-generational resident, and property owner within the Hesperia Community Schools district—and as a former employee—I want to thank everyone who’s been engaging in recent conversations about our upcoming bond proposal. My family has lived, learned, and served here for generations. I care deeply about the future of our schools and our town, and I know many of you do too.
These discussions matter. They reflect our shared investment in the well-being of our students, our educators, and our broader community. I want to offer some clarity and invite everyone to be part of the solution.
🗓️ Stay Informed: Attend an Upcoming Meeting
If you want to be informed, please attend one of the upcoming informational meetings—held both at the school and in your local townships. These sessions are designed to answer your questions directly and transparently. You can also reach out to Superintendent Bryan Mey anytime; he’s committed to providing clear, honest answers.
Next meeting at the school: October 27th at 5:00 p.m.
🔍 What the Bond Proposal Really Means
This is not a new tax—it’s a continuation of the existing millage that’s set to expire. Without renewal, yes, taxes would decrease—but so would our ability to maintain and improve the facilities and programs our students rely on. The proposal is based on real needs identified through community input, safety assessments, and infrastructure reviews.
🔐 Safety Is More Than Locked Doors
Yes, we have locked doors and a school resource officer. But the proposed updates go beyond basic security. They include structural improvements that align with current safety standards—secure vestibules, updated camera systems, and emergency response upgrades. These aren’t “extras”—they’re essential in today’s world.
📚 Rebuilding Educational Opportunities
We hear you on shop class, home economics, and life skills. We want those back, too. But Michigan’s teacher certification requirements have changed, and finding qualified instructors—especially in rural districts—is a real challenge. We’re actively exploring creative solutions, including partnerships and grant-funded programming.
💰 Yes, We Pursue Grants
We take advantage of every grant opportunity available to us. Teachers, administrators, and staff write them constantly. However, grants require time, research, and often necessitate matching funds or in-kind contributions. In small districts like ours, that’s a heavy lift. According to the Michigan Department of Education, rural schools face higher per-student transportation costs, lower local tax bases, and fewer staff to manage complex funding applications. We stretch every dollar, and we’re proud of the work our team does to secure outside support.
👵 Fixed-Income Families Matter
We absolutely understand the impact on retired and elderly residents—I’m one of them! Like many in our community, I have grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and dear friends whose children still attend Hesperia schools. We care deeply about their future, but we also know the importance of protecting household budgets.
That’s why this bond proposal is structured to maintain—not increase—your current tax rate. It’s not about asking for more—it’s about continuing what we’ve already invested in, preserving what we have, and responsibly planning for the future. We want to ensure our buildings stay safe, functional, and inspiring for generations to come—without placing additional burden on those living on fixed incomes.
🌱 Outdoor Spaces Reflect Our Values
Landscaping and outdoor spaces aren’t just aesthetic choices—they’re intentional investments in student wellness, community engagement, and campus safety. Green spaces and outdoor seating areas offer places to gather, decompress, and learn beyond the classroom. They also help with traffic flow and visibility, making our campus safer and more welcoming.
Importantly, many of these enhancements are made possible through donations and grant funding, not general budget dollars. Our staff and students take pride in maintaining these areas, often volunteering time and energy to keep them beautiful. These spaces reflect the heart of our district—where learning, connection, and stewardship go hand in hand.
💬 Bottom Line
You deserve transparency. We welcome your questions. Please come to the meetings, ask hard questions, and get the facts. Be part of the solution. Our kids deserve safe, inspiring spaces to learn—and our community deserves to make informed decisions.
Thank you again for caring. Let’s keep the conversation going.
—Michelle Allen
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