SUTTONS BAY Downsizing school seeks $18.48-million bond for demolition, upgrades

Travis Snyder, The Record-Eagle, Traverse City, Mich.
·2 min read

May 2—SUTTONS BAY — If a bond request is approved by Suttons Bay voters next Tuesday, it will mean $18.34 million for the school district to demolish the "Old Middle School" north wing and replace the existing middle school gymnasium — along with other facility upgrades, including windows, roofing, electrical and security systems.

"After weighing renovation versus replacement cost, replacement of the current structure was determined be the most cost-effective, long-term plan," Casey Petz, Suttons Bay Public Schools superintendent, said.

Their plan is to knock down the deteriorating portion of the building that has been sitting mostly vacant for 20 years and restructure traffic flow with a secure connector between elementary and high school buildings and other security improvements and upgrades that would cost less to operate and maintain.

In information provided to voters, bond approval would raise property taxes by 0.10 mills in 2023 on an annual basis and result in an increase to the average homeowner of about $27.50 a year, based on "an average parcel market value of $550,987."

These funds could only be used for new construction, facilities and other capital needs. Construction would take place between the spring 2025 and continue to fall 2028.

The plan is a matter not only of fiscal responsibility, but safety and security, Petz said. "It's standing here unused, and it could be a matter of time before animals, or even people, mess with it, try to break in. We want to knock it down before that happens."

Petz also pointed out that district enrollment — 578 students in the 2022-23 count — has been on the decline for years, which led to the initial compressing of students and staff.

"We've had to let the community know that we're downsizing, and that's OK," he said, pointing out that demographics have simply changed in Suttons Bay since the late 2000s.