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The Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce (LRCC) has announced its support for the Lansing Schools Zero Mills Increase Bond proposal on the May 3rd ballot. The Lansing School District is asking voters to consider a bond proposal that would generate $129.7 million for facility improvements throughout the district without an expected increase in the school district’s debt millage for Lansing property owners above 2021 levels.

“The Lansing schools have been working on preparing students for success in the 21st century economy and implementing a vision to upgrade the quality of the district’s school buildings and infrastructure,” said LRCC board chair Mike Zamiara, president, Niowave. “The Zero Increase Bond Plan would allow Lansing to build upon the solid foundation established as a result of the 2016 bond proposal and further enhance the environment in which Lansing students are learning.”

“We are thrilled to have the support of the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce and all of the business and community leaders in our region,” said Ben Shuldiner, Superintendent Lansing School District. “The partnerships we have established are central to the success of the Lansing Schools and the students we are helping prepare for our region’s future.”

Primary investments included in the Zero Increase Bond Proposal include:
1) Four new school buildings. Lewton, Mt. Hope, Sheridan Road and Willow would be replaced with brand new, 21st century buildings.
2) Improvements district wide to HVAC and air conditioning systems.
3) J. W. Sexton refresh. Eastern and Everett received significant investment in the 2016 Pathway Promise bond. Sexton upgrades would include a complete renovation of the school’s auditorium, athletic improvements, new ceilings, window coverings, and a refresh throughout the school.

A recent survey of Chamber members that own businesses in the City of Lansing showed overwhelming support for the Zero Mill Increase Bond proposal. 95% of those surveyed said they consider the proposal important to the future of the Lansing School District. 92.31% of those surveyed said they support the proposal on the May 3rd ballot.

“The Chamber supports efforts that adequately fund a seamless, effective and efficient system of Pre-K-12 education and advocates for initiatives that foster innovation, entrepreneurship and promotes economic opportunity to attract and retain talent in our region,” said Tim Daman, LRCC president & CEO. “The Zero Mill Increase Bond Plan is the logical next step in providing a quality education for the region’s talent pipeline.”

“A strong educational foundation is key to building a talented workforce for our region,” said Cindy Kangas, executive director, Capital Area Manufacturing Council. “Decades of economic research and data show the presence of high-quality schools increases local productivity, attracts new talent and business investment, and supports a stronger local quality of life.”

The Lansing Schools Zero Mill Increase Bond proposal was developed through an inclusive, collaborative, and open process commissioned by the Board of Education. A committee of staff, students, community leaders, and other stakeholders met on a bi-weekly basis to develop recommendations to the board. The committee considered a detailed facilities study, professional consultant recommendations, enrollment projections, input from community forums, and a survey of citizens in developing their recommendation.

“As a Lansing Sexton graduate, I know how important the continued support of Lansing Schools is to students in our community,” said Julie Mann, chief human resources officer, NEOGEN Corporation. “This well-thought-out and progressive Zero Increase Bond plan will put new resources into the hands of students, teachers, and administrators and will help provide increased student opportunity and academic growth.”