The almost impossible happened Tuesday in the Hopkins Public Schools’ bond election. It was a tie, 1,091 for and 1,091 against.
This extremely unusual result left many in the community chatting on Facebook, some wondering what happens next, some disappointed that a tie is not a victory and some clamoring for a recount.
School officials agreed that the Allegan County Board of Canvassers will conduct a recount. If that doesn’t break the deadlock, the issue will appear own the Aug. 4 primary ballot.
Schools generally don’t like bond or millage questions placed on primary or general election ballots because they get dwarfed by other candidates and issues.
But on Aug. 4, it may come to that.
The schools’ request was “to borrow $110.56 million to erect, furnish and equip new school buildings and facilities, equip/re-equip school buildings, purchase school buses, etc.” The currrent bond, passed in 2007 expires, but passage of the proposal this year would extend the same tax rate for more years.
Hopkins Supt. Scott Van Bonn oversaw a series of public forums in efforts to explain the bond issue to voters. He stressed that approving the bond will not raise taxes, but instead would lengthen the period by which the bond levy remains in effect.
One factor that may have made an effect is that some voters did not go to the polling place at the Monterey Township, which is undergoing repairs after a car accident. The hall was still open to voters Tuesday, though recent public meetings had been moved to Monterey Methodist Church.
Facebook was full of confused chatter in the wake of the election results:
“A tie vote for the Bond proposal means it doesn’t pass, correct? No ill intentions here… just wondering what a tie means.”
Indeed, the proposal doesn’t pass unless a majority approves.
Watson Township Supervisor Kevin Travis posted, “People are content with Hopkins PS being the only public school in Allegan County without an auditorium and a middle school that is literally falling apart (built in the 1950s and was the high school). At least in Watson there’s four school districts to choose from. The proposal didn’t even change the tax rate.”
He added that it might have passed if gas and groceries weren’t so expensive.
Candy Rubleman brought another take: “Everyone’s vote matters! I hope it passes on a recount.”
Jane Rademacher posted, “Incredible! I have never seen this before. Hoping the recount pushes the YES votes ahead. And yes, every vote matters. It’s a significant reminder to all.”
Katy Price posted:” A real, life-lesson for everyone (our young voters who are getting ready to vote in their first elections and all of us “seasoned” voters); your voice and vote matters!”
Katie DeMann wrote, “The school board has held multiple community forums to educate the voters. I’ve known this was going to be on the ballot for quite awhile. It’s the voters’ responsibility to educate themselves on upcoming elections. It’s called personal accountability.
Grace Brummelhoff Hitt posted: “I could not believe what I was reading this morning. I was clerk for the Village of Hopkins for 10 years several years ago and worked as a Deputy Clerk for Dorr Township for a year and have worked many elections in that time span. I have never seen an election come out tied like this one did. There is a chance that they will have a different total, when they do the hand count of the ballots and verifiy the election results with the county. Keep your fingers crossed everybody. Hopefully this will make everyone aware that ” YOUR VOTE DOES COUNT.”
“Today the Hopkins portion of our community gets to decide if it will give itself relief during these financially difficult times or if it will willingly tax itself more while complaining about money not going as far these days. I hope we make the financially responsible choice.”
Perhaps the most impactful proposal was the removal of the middle school, which once served as the high school, but now appears to have outlived its usefulness. VanBonn said the new middle school will be a two-story 94,500-square foot facility with landscaping and parking improvements.
The superintendent said the parking situation has continued to get worse every year during student pickups and drop off times.
He agreed some serious planning will be needed to accommodate the razing of the old building and erection of the new one without interrupting student learning. It was estimated that the turnaround would be complete within three to four years.
Another impactful proposal is for a new 17,500-square-foot performing arts facility for plays, special events and musical presentations. Another goal is to eliminate the need for middle school and high school music students to go outside to change classes.
The superintendent said the most important goals of the project plans are safety and security, a comfortable learning environment, athletic facility improvements, energy efficient upgrades and enhanced infrastructure.
