Maps highlight proposed changes to Hancock school properties

Maps highlight proposed changes to Hancock school properties

Patchin said the first proposal requests the restoration of the Sinking Fund. Those funds are used to repair the aging physical structures and update them where needed.

A group of administrators, school board members and community leaders have reviewed the needs of the school while balancing the cost to the community and have developed a project list to meet these goals, states a flyer that accompanied the release.

The project list includes Barkell Elementary School updates and renovations, including:

• Reconstruction and redesign of the parking lot, parent drop off and bus loop to increase safety for students, parents and busses.

• Renovation of kitchen including the cafeteria line and new kitchen equipment.

• Improve playground by updating equipment to current codes and creating activity zones based on age which will improve the safety and the overall student experience.

• Add a STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) lab and instructional technology to promote student learning and discovery repurposing spaces that are currently underutilized.

Potential projects for the high school and middle school include:

• Addition of driveways on the north and south side to promote safer movement for students, vehicles and busses.

• Create additional parking for school events.

• Renovation of an under-utilized space for a middle school STEM lab and a space for a high school STEM lab to promote discovery. Purchase age-appropriate instructional technology.

The second Hancock schools initiative to feature on the November ballot is a bond proposal focusing on Health, Safety, and Discovery through STEM, including:

• Health projects that will focus on updating kitchen areas.

Safety projects include:

• Upgrades in parking lot and pick-up/drop-off areas.

• Major update of the elementary playground. This will advance the work the parent-teacher organization has already begun through their fundraising efforts.

• Discovery in STEM adds updates to help the cross curricular integration of technology, fostering the application of core subjects.

Hancock Public Schools proposes to borrow the sum of $4,225,000. The estimated millage that will be levied for the proposed bonds in 2023 is 1.12 mills ($1.12 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation). This will be a net decrease of 2.95 mills from last year’s Hancock Public Schools bond levy.

If the bond is approved by voters, residents would still experience the following estimated savings depending on the value of your property:

$40,000           $59 per year

$80,000        $118 per year

$150,000 $221.25 per year

$250,000 $368.75 per year

The proceeds of the bond cannot be used for operations or staff salaries.

 Patchin said he would be hosting the following information sessions at the High School Auditorium to answer questions regarding the Sinking Fund and Bond Proposals.

“I will also be reviewing the improvements we have made in the last 3 years and touch on what is ahead for Hancock Public Schools,” he added.

The first three presentation dates are:

• Tuesday, October 11, 5 p.m. at the High School Auditorium

• Saturday, October 15, 11 a.m. at the High School Auditorium

• Thursday, October 20, 5:15 p.m. at the High School Auditorium

“If you would like to make an appointment for me to come present to your community organization, please email me at spatchin@hancock.k12.mi.us,” said Patchin. “I would be honored to meet with you, share our vision, and hear your ideas, concerns, and suggestions.”

For more information on the proposals, visit the Hancock Public Schools website information page at https://hancockpublicschools.org/district-special.phpHanco