The COVID 19 pandemic upended the global economy in ways that still affect us all, including our investment in new schools and vital technology. Portage Public Schools is presenting a $132.4 million bond request to voters on November 4, 2025 that will allow us to finish the job with no projected increase in the 2024 millage.
Bond dollars would fund replacing two of our oldest elementary schools, modernize another, and update vital technology and services to serve PPS students for years to come.
Why make this request? The COVID-19 pandemic upended supply chains, causing high inflation (especially building materials, equipment and labor) and construction delays. Funds from the 2021 bond are no longer enough to finish construction. In addition, the bond would allow us to address the 70-year-old Portage Community Education Center (PCEC). The building is outdated, expensive to operate, and cannot meet the needs of Community High School and Early Childhood Education programs.
Here is what the new bond would cover:
Build a new Amberly Elementary School and a new Angling Road Elementary School –
the last two elementary buildings we need to replace.
Renovate Moorsbridge Elementary School.
Address Community High School and Early Childhood Education facility needs.
Continue important updates to educational and safety technology.
Replace buses that have outlived their mechanical lives.
With an older bond authorization expiring, Portage is in a unique financial situation to present this bond proposal with no increase in the millage rate from the current level.
“This new bond would help us supplement the work that’s already started, and allow us to complete what we promised to our community,” said Superintendent Johnny Edwards.
"One of the benefits of our community is that they have continuously supported our schools, and we’re extremely thankful for that support,” he added. “The work that we’re doing now with the current elementary schools that are underway, and what we plan to do with the future elementary schools, align with the values and priorities of this community.”