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 are now available. You can request an absentee ballot at mvic.sos.state.mi.us/AVApplication and learn more about the 2025 bond at portageps.org/2025bond.
Why didn't the 2021 Bond raise enough money?
The last bond request was based on careful estimates of the cost to finish all construction and upgrades, including inflation and potential overruns. That work was done before COVID-19 struck in 2020. 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.
Absentee ballots for the Nov. 4 election are now available. You can request an absentee ballot at mvic.sos.state.mi.us/AVApplication and learn more about the 2025 bond at portageps.org/2025bond.
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.
PPS is Committed to Finishing the Job! Absentee ballots for the Nov. 4 election are now available. You can request an absentee ballot at mvic.sos.state.mi.us/AVApplication and learn more about the 2025 bond at portageps.org/2025bond.
THANK YOU to all of our Food Service workers who are working hard every day to feed our students across the District. 👏
We know it may still feel far away, but snowfall is coming, and we want to make sure we can reach you! Our robocall/text system for snow days syncs with Skyward Family Access, so we need correct contact information for our families.
Before we see the first snowflakes, we want to run a test of the new system to ensure we reach everyone. Here's what we need from you:
Double check that your correct phone number is listed in Skyward Family Access. You can expect robocalls to both cellphones and landlines, but text messages will only go through if the number listed is a cellphone.
Watch for a text message and robocall Monday, Oct. 20, at 6 p.m.
Email communications@portageps.org if you don't receive it.
To also receive push notifications from the District and your child's school, download the PPS app.
Here's what you can expect:
For the test, we will send both a robocall and text message to the phone numbers listed for each student. Don't worry, the system won't send duplicates if numbers are entered in multiple times (i.e. your cellphone is both your primary number and cellphone number).
For future snow days or emergencies, you can expect robocalls and text messages. You can also receive the information even quicker by signing up for push notifications from the PPS app.
For more information about How We Communicate, please visit portageps.org/page/communication-expectations.
THANK YOU for your partnership in your child's education and your help in improving PPS communications.
