Editorial: Support Lansing kids with a Yes vote on the 'Securing Pathways' millage May 7

Passage of the Pathway Promise millage in 2016 sent a strong message to Lansing students, parents and educators in the district – it signaled that they have the support of the community.

District leadership is executing that plan, in the current school year with the opening of the new Pattengill Elementary (grades pre-K to 6) at the former Fairview Elementary School.

In the fall, students will return to the former Pattengill, soon to become the new Eastern High School (Grades 7-12). And students will also return to the Dwight Rich Academy School of the Arts (grades K-6), with an extensive remodel also supported by federal grant funding.

This ask is different.

The 3-mill proposal for the sinking fund that Lansing voters will see on their May 7 ballot would ensure that all district buildings have upgraded security – such as outdoor cameras and swipe-card entry – and that the basic infrastructure needs of the district are met.

Better buildings equate to better learning environments and better schools, which leads to more positive feelings about the Lansing School District as a whole – making them and the city more attractive to families, including those outside the district.

The 10-year millage is a reasonable request.

The 3-mill proposal would cost the owner of a house with $50,000 in taxable value around $150 per year, and raise roughly $7 million per year for the district.

That’s in addition to the 2.25 mills adopted in 2016 – a 25-year millage – which costs around $112 per year for a homeowner with $50,000 in taxable value.

Related Links:

Lansing schools seeks $70 million millage

2 Lansing schools closing for renovations

Lansing school officials: $120M millage key to future

Even with the increase, Lansing would remain in the lower tier of area school districts in terms of taxpayer burden.

Lansing schools are gaining momentum.

Vote ‘Yes’ on May 7 to help capitalize on progress made and keep the schools – and Lansing – moving forward. Lansing’s kids deserve our support.

– an LSJ editorial

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The LSJ Editorial Board speaks for the LSJ as an institution. Editorials do not carry an individual byline because stances on issues are never decided by one person. Contact the board by emailing opinions@lsj.com.