Spring is in the air all around our campus and we are excited for all of the joyful learning experiences we get to share during this time of year. The final ten weeks of instruction in the 2023-2024 school year will focus on experiential learning activities, student celebrations, and meaningful academic work to achieve our growth goals for all students. Time always goes by quickly at this time of the school year and we are thankful for the support of our families and our community to end the school year on a high note.

We also have some major updates on the status of our plan to reconfigure and modernize our campus and buildings to meet current and projected needs. On Tuesday May 7, 2024, voters in the Suttons Bay Public School District will vote on a bond proposal. If approved by voters, this bond proposal would provide $18.34 million for facility improvements.

The goals for this bond proposal are as follows:

• Reduce the footprint of the campus/buildings to improve efficiency and reduce energy consumption

• Address long-standing issues with the north end buildings (“Old Middle School”)

• Improve student and staff safety through infrastructure, security, and technology investments

• Ensure that the needs of SBPS students and families come first and that SBPS remains a safe and engaging learning environment for instruction, our athletic teams, and afterschool programs

Key aspects of our plan to address these goals are as follows:

• Remove the vacant “Old Middle School” north wing and replace the existing gym that was built in the 1950s with a multipurpose gym facility that can be used by all SBPS athletic programs and teams

• Add a secure entryway vestibule to the current Middle School building and construct a secure corridor connecting our Elementary and High School buildings

• Replace and modernize boilers and energy management systems in all buildings

• Enhance student drop off loop and replace sidewalks and stairs at the entry of the Elementary and Middle School buildings

• Consolidate athletic fields and add centralized restrooms and concessions for outdoor athletics

• Relocate and update Elementary and Middle School playground and outdoor activity area

For more information on the bond proposal, please feel free to contact us at 231-271-8600.

Upward,

Casey Petz

Superintendent