How did the COVID pandemic impact our efforts to Build the Future of Elementary Learning?

The pandemic upended supply chains around the world, sparked high inflation (especially for building materials, equipment and labor) and prompted construction delays.

Obviously, no one expected or planned for such an event.

The 2021 bond vote happened a little over a year into the pandemic, when long-term economic effects weren’t clear yet. That timing allowed us to move quickly to do planning, secure contractors and minimize some delays, which almost certainly lessened the impact on costs. However, by 2023 we realized there wouldn’t be enough funds to finish the job.

Absentee ballots for the Nov. 4 election will be available beginning Sept. 25. In the meantime, you can request an absentee ballot at mvic.sos.state.mi.us/AVApplication and learn more about the 2025 bond at portageps.org/2025bond.

3 months ago, Portage Public Schools
How did COVID impact the 2021 Bond?
In music class Tuesday at Haverhill Elementary, it was all rhythm, all beat, and all fun. 🎵🎶
3 months ago, Portage Public Schools
students with hands on each others shoulders walk in a train across a classroom
students play on musical instruments in a classroom
a music teacher instructs students holding instruments in a classroom
students with hands on each others shoulders walk in a train across a classroom
students sitting on a classroom floor
students sing and clap sitting on bleachers in a classroom
students sitting on risers in a classroom
students with hands on each others shoulders walk in a train across a classroom
students sitting on the floor of a classroom
a boy smiles as he gets up off the floor
The Portage Central High School Homecoming Game vs Mattawan kicks off at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26! PC staff are encouraging fans to pre-purchase their tickets with the link below to avoid long lines on game day!
https://gofan.co/event/2375398?schoolId=MI10167
3 months ago, Portage Public Schools

The Class of 2029 has officially left their mark on Portage Central High School! The freshmen class joined their peers in the tradition of creating a handprint collage to kick off Homecoming Week. 💙✋💛

3 months ago, Portage Public Schools
a girl paints blue paint on a boy's hand
blue and yellow handprints on a white panel
two girls leave colorful handprints on a white panel
students place their blue and yellow handprints on a white panel
a handprint is made on a white panel
students put their handprint on panels outside a school
a girl paints blue paint on a boy's hand
Our Lake Center students gave it their all at this year's Turtle Trot! 🏃‍♀️🐢
3 months ago, Portage Public Schools
a boy runs by while a dad cheers on the sidelines outside
a boy running on an outdoor track
a family cheers for their child as they run by on an outdoor track
children running on an outdoor track
a girl accepts a bracelet from adults on the side of a track
cheerleaders on the sidelines while students run by on an outdoor track
children running on an outdoor track
children running on an outdoor track
a boy cheers on the sidelines of an outdoor track
children running on an outdoor track
As Superintendent Johnny Edwards begins his fourth month leading Portage Public Schools, his efforts to hear from the community continue.

Superintendent Edwards once again wants to hear from you! He will be holding a Listening & Learning session for parents, caretakers, and community members. There will be a series of questions to get the discussion started and a chance for you to offer your thoughts on various topics related to PPS.

Please join us Wednesday, Oct. 8, from 1:30-2:30 p.m. or from 6:00-7:00 p.m. at the Portage Zhang Senior Center, 203 E. Centre Ave.
3 months ago, Portage Public Schools
listen and learn graphic. text in the caption
Roadrunners and their Grown Ups enjoyed a sweet treat Friday to start their morning before school. 🍩A special thanks to the Western Michigan University Women's Basketball Team for spending your morning making it extra special for our Angling Road Elementary students. 🥰
3 months ago, Portage Public Schools
students laughing outside a school at an adult
college girls handing out donuts to elementary school students
a boy smiles as he takes a donut from an adult
a large group of people pose for a photo in front of trees
a handful of women pose for a photo in front of a coffee truck
a family smiles for a photo outside an elementary school
a large group of people gathered outside a school in front of a coffee truck
It's Hispanic Heritage Month! Students at Portage Central High School created a vibrant and colorful display celebrating the culture and contributions of Hispanic Americans.
3 months ago, Portage Public Schools
a display case full of items celebrating Hispanic heritage month

What is the financial impact of the 2025 Bond?

This Bond proposal does NOT project an increase in the 2024 millage rate. The District is asking for $132.4 million to Finish the Job at our elementary schools. We have the benefit of offering this bond proposal with NO INCREASE in the millage rate from the current level.

Absentee ballots for the Nov. 4 election will be available beginning Sept. 25. In the meantime, you can request an absentee ballot at mvic.sos.state.mi.us/AVApplication and learn more about the 2025 bond at portageps.org/2025bond.

3 months ago, Portage Public Schools
Graphic that says what is the financial impact of the 2025 bond?
The Chamber Choir at PCHS is pretty treble-icious. 🎶
3 months ago, Portage Public Schools
girls singing in a choir in front of a piano
a girl singing in a choir room
a girl singing in a choir room
boys sitting in a choir room

PPS is Committed to Finishing the Job! Absentee ballots for the Nov. 4 election will be available beginning Sept. 25. In the meantime, you can request an absentee ballot at mvic.sos.state.mi.us/AVApplication and learn more about the 2025 bond at portageps.org/2025bond.

3 months ago, Portage Public Schools
Vote Nov 4 graphic
Fun in first grade at Moorsbridge Elementary! ☀
3 months ago, Portage Public Schools
a girl smiles for a photo on playground equipment outside
a girl doing the monkey bars outside in a playground
a boy jumping off the swings
kids climbing on playground equipment
a girl crossing the monkey bars on a playground
a girl climbing on playground equipment
a girl crossing the monkey bars

Do you want to know more about the 2025 Bond? Want to see inside our new schools? We have two upcoming opportunities for community members, staff, students and families to learn more and tour our buildings.

Please join us from 6:00-7:30 p.m. at the following events:

  • Monday, Sept. 29, at Haverhill Elementary, 1720 Haverhill Ave.

  • Tuesday, Oct. 7, at Central Elementary, 8422 S. Westnedge Ave.

To learn more about the 2025 Bond, you can visit our website: portageps.org/2025bond.

3 months ago, Portage Public Schools
2025 bond information night text with photo of students
Today is National IT Professionals Appreciation Day! Michael Frey is one of our many building technicians and tech team members who are the superheroes that keep PPS running. 💪
3 months ago, Portage Public Schools
a man poses for a photo inside a classroom
The crosstown tennis match between Portage Northern and Portage Central was a great night of tennis, dinner and fun together. Thanks Coach Bevier for sharing!
3 months ago, Portage Public Schools
a large group of tennis players pose for a photo together
Whew! 3 weeks down! It's been an amazing start to the school year. Keep up the good work -- the administration building is cheering you on every step of the way!
3 months ago, Portage Public Schools
a large group of people pose for a photo with colorful Pom poms

What would the 2025 Bond accomplish?

The 2025 Bond will allow us to replace Amberly and Angling Road elementary schools, renovate Moorsbridge Elementary, replace Portage Community Education Center (Community High and Early Childhood Education - Curious Kids, update technology and buy new buses.

Absentee ballots for the Nov. 4 election will be available beginning Sept. 25. In the meantime, you can request an absentee ballot at mvic.sos.state.mi.us/AVApplication and learn more about the 2025 bond at portageps.org/2025bond.

3 months ago, Portage Public Schools
graphic that says what will the new bond accomplish?
Mazie is just stopping by to say hi 👋
3 months ago, Portage Public Schools
a dog posing for a photo

The FULL 2025-26 School Year Calendar is now available. Please visit portageps.org/o/pps/page/school-year-calendar to view the entire calendar.

3 months ago, Portage Public Schools
calendar graphic. content available at link above

Thank you to the teachers, families, city leaders and community members who joined us last night to officially cut the ribbon at our brand new Portage Central Elementary School! We are beyond grateful to our community for their support.

4 months ago, Portage Public Schools
a group of people pose for a photo at a ribbon cutting ceremony
a woman speaking to a large group of people gathered in a school
a man and daughter walk through a school library
a girl running through a gym with a hoola hoop
a boy dances around a music classroom
a dad and son seen through the window of an art classroom
a woman smiles at another woman standing in a classroom
people standing and talking inside a school cafeteria
a man speaks at a lectern in a school
a man speaks at a lectern inside a school