2026 Proposed Facilities Bond

Royal Oak Schools is preparing for the future with a capital improvement bond proposal proposed on the August 4, 2026, ballot. This is an investment designed to enhance student learning, modernize infrastructure, and strengthen safety across the district. Built on community input and long-term planning, the proposal aims to ensure that every student learns in environments that are safe, innovative, and built for tomorrow.

This no-tax-rate-increase bond would fund approximately $165 million dollars in improvements without increasing the current tax rate. By maintaining the existing millage rate of 2.20 mills, the district would invest in critical upgrades while remaining fiscally responsible. Structured in multiple phases, the plan also reduces long-term interest costs and ensures efficient use of taxpayer dollars.

Across the district, students would benefit from updated and reimagined learning environments. Plans include expanded early childhood classrooms to serve more families, modern STEAM and career exploration spaces, and improved special education facilities, among other positive changes. These upgrades reflect how education is evolving by prioritizing hands-on learning, creativity, and real-world skill development.

Equally important are the infrastructure improvements that often go unseen but are essential to daily operations. Royal Oak Schools is lucky to have historic buildings that enhance the character of our community, but with historic buildings comes the care required to maintain them and their charm. Our custodial and maintenance teams have worked hard to maintain our buildings, but aging roofs, HVAC systems, electrical components, and plumbing systems need to be replaced or upgraded to ensure the buildings remain safe, efficient, and reliable. Accessibility enhancements, including elevators, ramps, and updated restrooms, would ensure all students and visitors can access school spaces.

Safety remains a top priority. The bond includes redesigned entrances, secure vestibules, improved traffic flow, and enhanced separation between public and student areas. These changes are designed to create welcoming environments while maintaining strong security measures across all buildings.

The proposal also invests in student life beyond the classroom. Updated athletic fields, performance spaces, and multi-use activity areas will support physical wellness, arts programming, and community engagement, strengthening the connection between schools and the broader community.

Royal Oak Schools’ last bond was in 2017 for $59 million, with improvements completed between 2018 and 2022. While routine maintenance and smaller repairs are funded through the district’s operating budget and voter-approved sinking fund, those funds cannot cover large-scale capital projects. When major upgrades are needed, such as heating and cooling (HVAC) systems in all classrooms in the district, roof replacements, technology infrastructure, or significant renovations, a bond proposal allows the district to complete these larger improvements and protect the community’s investment in its schools.

The proposed bond would maintain the current millage rate of 2.20, and projections show that the rate would remain at or below 2.20 for 2027 and beyond. The proposal also authorizes the $165 million of bonds in three series, resulting in reduced interest costs.