School Bond Elections: When to Try Again After Rejection?
Deciding when to reintroduce a school bond proposal after it has been rejected is a critical decision for many districts. Some wait several years, while others return to the ballot almost immediately.
In the November 2025 general election, most school bonds managed to pass, according to the Builders Exchange of Michigan.
Out of 49 bonds presented, at least 30 were from districts that had previously put forth bond proposals since November 2019, based on a Michigan Public analysis.
For instance, Bronson Community School District in Branch County successfully passed a $29 million bond, narrowly overcoming a previous failure with a slightly larger proposal. It was their fifth attempt at securing bond approval since 2010.
Conversely, some districts built on their past successes. Novi Public Schools and Zeeland Public Schools saw approval for their substantial proposals of $425 million and $350 million respectively, among the largest in the state during the November ballot.
Zeeland Public Schools communicated to voters that projects from their 2021 bond are still underway. Meanwhile, Novi district officials explained that a new bond was essential due to supply chain disruptions during the pandemic affecting their 2019 bond’s targets (source).
Grosse Pointe Public Schools also succeeded with their bond initiative this election cycle, despite not having proposed a bond since 2018. However, voters had previously approved two sinking fund proposals in 2019 and 2024.
Strategic Considerations for Reintroducing Proposals
Districts face numerous factors when contemplating another attempt at passing a bond or other funding measures.
Securing a spot on the ballot involves costs, as does campaigning to raise public awareness through various media. For instance, Oxford Community Schools proposed both a sinking fund and an operating millage in November, yet neither passed.
During an October school board meeting, Oxford’s assistant superintendent John Fitzgerald estimated their informational campaign costs at “about $10 to $15,000,” excluding election implementation expenses, which could exceed $100,000.
Understanding why a proposal failed is often crucial before attempting again. Some districts adjust the scope of their proposals to align better with community preferences or to reduce the tax burden, though this strategy is not always successful.
The surrounding context of the proposal, including other ballot measures, is also a consideration. Mason Consolidated Schools in Monroe County failed in their bond attempt in May 2024.
Superintendent Kelli Tuller indicated they would likely avoid the November ballot due to a county-wide enhancement millage proposal by the community college, stating, “I don’t want to go up against that. That’s for the whole county,” noting that timing and existing needs are critical factors in their decision-making.
Ultimately, the Monroe County Community College’s enhancement millage was rejected by voters in November.
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