2025 No-Tax-Increase Bond Proposal

February 2026

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Update on Bond Funding

SAPS adheres to the formal process that allows the District to issue the voter-approved bonds and move forward in accordance with the legal and financial framework required under Michigan law. This process will continue all the way through the bond sale in early April. 

To date, all project activity has been funded through the SAPS general fund. Per the vote of the board on February 9, the District aims to deposit bond funds into the construction accounts on or around May 9, 2026. Once bond funds have been secured from the sale, the District will reimburse the general fund and all future expenditures will be paid for from the construction accounts. 

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Construction Momentum Builds as Winter Planning Positions Us for Spring Action

We're excited to share progress on the bond-funded improvements that our community supported last August. While winter weather has slowed some outdoor work, our teams have been busy with planning, design development, and indoor preparations that will accelerate construction once spring arrives.

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Elementary Playground

The elementary playground equipment arrived (and is securely stored) and installation is scheduled for early June 2026. Our students are eagerly anticipating the new play structures, and we're working to ensure safe installation despite winter conditions.

 

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Multipurpose Room & Locker Room Renovations

Design Development Phase Complete
We're thrilled to share the schematic designs from our architects for the multipurpose room and locker room renovations. These drawings show the transformation that will create modern, accessible spaces for our students.

Multipurpose Room & Mezzanine Highlights:

• Flexible space for athletics, assemblies, performances, and community events
• Elevator access to mezzanine level, ensuring all students can access all spaces
• Removal of old bleachers from the mezzanine level
• Remodel the mezzanine weightroom and cheer room

Locker Room Transformation:

• Six locker room spaces for better accessibility and privacy, and for multiple classes, sports, and age groups
• ADA-compliant design throughout
• Modern fixtures and finishes that prioritize dignity and hygiene

Timeline Update:

• Schematic design: ✓ Complete (Fall 2025)
• Design development & construction documents: In progress (Late 2025-Early 2026)
• Bidding & procurement: Spring 2026
• Locker room construction: Summer 2026
• Multipurpose room completion: Fall 2027

For architecture and blueprint enthusiasts, check out the schematic draws courtesy of Cornerstone Architects. [More detailed PDF available upon request]

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Library Transformation into Learning Labs (Phase 3 Focus)

Planning Underway for Flexible Learning Spaces
The reimagining of our two-story library space developed to:

• Fill in the existing stairwell to create additional usable square footage
• Replace old collapsible partitions with permanent wall structures
• Create purpose-built learning labs for STEM, collaborative work, and hands-on learning

Next Steps:

• To be a focus of Phase 3. No updates to report this quarter.

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Bathroom Renovations (Phase 3 Focus)

Modernizing Facilities with Student Dignity in Mind
Planning is underway for comprehensive bathroom renovations throughout the high school. These updates will replace original 1970s fixtures and design with modern, accessible facilities that meet current standards.

Next Steps:

• To be a focus of Phase 3. No updates to report this quarter.

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Phase II - Safety & Communication Systems (Phase 2 Focus)

Enhanced safety and communication systems are being planned for installation. The performance contract for overseeing the project was discussed at the Feb 9 board meeting. Energy Systems Group will oversee six domains of the performance tract, including HVAC, generator, drainage, weatherization, lighting improvements, and PA clocks & bells (school communication system).

Next Steps:

• Testing for geothermal energy sources on site: Spring 2026
• Develop and refine plans to replace energy efficient lighting and to weatherize buildings to reduce energy consumption: Spring 2026

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Modernized Classroom Upgrades (Phase 4 Focus)

Envisioning the classroom of the future and modifying the physical and technology enabled learning spaces for our students.

Next Steps:

• To be a focus of Phase 4. No updates to report this quarter.

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Looking Ahead

As we move into spring 2026, our focus will shift from planning to action:

• Finalize construction documents for multipurpose room and locker rooms
• Begin bidding process for summer 2026 construction
• Complete playground installation (weather permitting)
• Break ground on locker room construction (June 2026)

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Questions or Want to Learn More?

We're committed to keeping our community informed throughout this process:

• Visit our bond updates page:
  • https://www.saultschools.org/bond-update
• Contact Superintendent Amy Kronemeyer:
  • Email: amy@eupschools.org
  • Phone: 906-635-3839 ext. 5000
• Attend Board of Education meetings at 5:30pm on Second Mondays 
• Follow us on Facebook:
  • https://www.facebook.com/sault.schools

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Thank You

Thank you for your continued support of Sault Area Public Schools. The improvements made possible by your "yes" vote last August represent an investment in our students' future and our community's vitality. We look forward to sharing more progress in our future update.

Next quarterly update: June 2026