On March 10, 2020 voters in East China Schools will be asked to consider a bond proposal to improve District facilities. The improvements would address declining enrollment,safety, security, energy efficiency, and technology issues within our facilities, and would update learning environments to meet 21st century curriculum and educational goals. Program highlights would include the renovation and upgrading of both Marine City and St. Clair High Schools into separate 6-12 schools, remodeling existing school buildings, and adding flexible learning (Arts, STEM/STEAM, and skilled trades) classrooms and expanding the early childhood education wing at the administration building. Current safety measures at each school will be upgraded and building infrastructure improvements will be addressed. If approved by the voters, projects funded through the bond proposal will positively impact every East China student while addressing the needs of each school building including the Performing Arts Center (PAC) and the East China Stadium. The total program cost is $112.9 million.

Following the May 2019 bond election, the District took immediate action to understand community sentiments and to lay out a plan for the future. A survey was conducted to gain feedback on the May proposal and to determine the community’s desire to pursue any future initiatives regarding facility, site and technology upgrades. Results of that survey found an overwhelming discomfort with consolidating both high schools and middle schools on one campus and specific concern with the location of the proposed consolidated building. However, the results also showed that the community agreed and understood the District’s immediate need for infrastructure, technology, and security upgrades. The District has met with the area business associations in order to cultivate school and community relationships. We have also worked to secure additional grant funding from our local businesses to support opportunities for our students. In addition we met with PTO and parent groups to understand how they felt the district should address the needs of our school buildings and programming for our students.

All technology upgrades are designed to support classroom instruction, enhance the learning environment, and ensure student and staff safety. Specifics include:
 Electronic, card reader type controlled entrances for enhanced safety
 Interactive displays (SmartBoards)
 Instructor devices
 LCD displays (video announcements)
 Student devices (computers, Chromebooks, laptops)
 Document cameras
 Infrastructure upgrades to support upgraded Instructional Technology
 Public announcement and clock systems
 Additional security cameras installed at each school building

 Create safe & secure entry vestibule / welcome center
 Install additional security cameras
 Remodel athletic entrance
 Remodel and expand Media Center
 Construct classroom addition to support middle school
 Renovate existing building (ceiling and flooring)
 Replace roof and windows
 Remodel restroom facilities
 Install new fire protection system
 Update HVAC system – boilers/heating/cooling
 Upgrade electrical system for increased efficiency
 Provide flexible/collaborative furniture for enhanced student learning
 Update technology
 Replace public announcement and clock systems
 Construct gym and locker rooms
 Remodel existing locker rooms
 Remodel pool area
 Upgrade softball field
 Install tennis court lights
 Replace drives, parking lots and sidewalks

 Create safe & secure entry vestibule / welcome center
 Remodel existing building (ceiling and flooring)
 Install new fire protection system
 Update HVAC system – boilers/heating/cooling
 Upgrade electrical system for increased efficiency
 Provide flexible/collaborative furniture for enhanced student learning
 Update technology
 Replace public announcement and clock systems
 Replace drives, parking lots and sidewalks

 Create safe & secure entry vestibule / welcome center
 Transform site from a Middle School to Elementary (addressing vehicular, bus and
parent drop off)
 Remodel existing building (ceiling and flooring)
 Install fire protection system
 Update HVAC system – boilers/heating/cooling
 Upgrade electrical system for increased efficiency
 Provide flexible/collaborative furniture for enhanced student learning
 Update technology
 Replace public announcement and clock systems
 Replace drives, parking lots and sidewalks
 Relocate new age appropriate playground equipment

 Create safe & secure entry vestibule / welcome center
 Construct STEM/STEAM classrooms/flexible learning spaces
 Construct two additional Early Childhood classrooms
 Replace roof and windows
 Install new fire protection system
 Update HVAC system – boilers/heating/cooling
 Upgrade electrical system for increased efficiency
 Provide flexible/collaborative furniture for enhanced student learning
 Update technology
 Replace drives, parking lots and sidewalks

It is the District’s goal to continue to provide facilities that support modern teaching and to advance learning conditions and methods of instruction to better prepare students for meeting the expectations and demands of employers and colleges/universities in the future. Additionally, the Board of Education believes that the upgrades that have been identified in the assessment process, and given high priority by the professional team, support proper stewardship of the community’s investment in our schools.

Conceptual plans for the projects have been developed in order to estimate construction costs. The detailed design of a building program is an in-depth, comprehensive process and will not be completed for practical/financial reasons unless the bond issue is approved by
the community. These details will take the architects several months of work with input from staff, community members, and other professionals. The cost of this work is included in the bond estimate.

Neighboring districts have experienced the same issue of aging buildings. Bond programs have been approved and implemented all around us. In November 2019, voters in the Richmond School District approved a bond proposal to upgrade and update existing facilities in their community. Also, in neighboring Port Huron Area School District, a $105 million bond program has just been completed. In today’s competitive environment, districts seek every advantage. The chart on the next page includes our neighboring districts’ current bond and sinking fund millage rates.