Archived Bond 2020 Information

Community Center Groundbreaking

On October 27, Caledonia Community Schools broke ground with the YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids on a new community center in Caledonia. We can't thank our community enough for their overwhelming support of the passage of our operating millage and school bond proposal that will allow us the opportunity to offer a new community center for our students and residents.

This fall we reached out to our community to help us come up with a new name for the community center. Over 180 community members submitted unique names for us to consider. A committee narrowed those submissions down to 5 names for our community to vote on.  We had over 1,000 people voted and we are excited to finally share the new name.

The new community center will be known as the Cal Community Center. Thank you to everyone that submitted names and helped vote. The Cal Community Center will be the start of a great partnership with the YMCA and we are excited about the opportunities it will offer to our community.

Press Release

May 6, 2020
 

Dear CCS families, staff and community members: 
 

On behalf of Caledonia Community Schools, we want to thank our community for their overwhelming support of the operating millage and school bond proposal yesterday. 

Because of you we will be able to build upon our tradition of excellence at Caledonia Community Schools! 

The proposal to restore the operating millage passed with more than 70% approval, and the bond proposal passed with more than 59% voter support. Read MLive’s coverage of the election night results.

The operating millage renewal, which levies 18 mills on non-homestead properties, supports day-to-day operations from teachers to utilities to keeping our schools safe and dry for our children. Passage of the operating millage allows CCS to avoid an estimated $10.2 million loss in revenue each year, as well as drastic cuts to programs and services for our students.

CCS’s bond proposal will allow us to invest in much-needed security and safety enhancements and repairs to update aging buildings so our kids can learn in a safe environment, which is always our number one priority. The bond proposal will also help provide technology upgrades that complement our strong career and technical education programs which prepare students for college and careers.

Along with safety and technology enhancements, the bond will help replace the 64-year-old Dutton Elementary with a neighborhood school in a new location that is better suited for elementary students and families. The location of the new school is not yet finalized; we look forward to working with the community to find the best location that suits students and families.

Finally, the passing of the bond allows us to create a new community center with a swimming pool and multi-use gymnasium. The center will bring students, families and seniors together and encourage healthy lifestyles and ongoing learning. This community center will benefit students, families and seniors and be a true asset for our entire community. 

CCS has a proven track record of success inside and outside of the classroom. The passage of both of these proposals allow us to continue our proud tradition of excellence and keep Caledonia an attractive place to raise a family. Look for more information over the coming weeks and months as we begin the process of structuring the work of the bond and engaging input from key staff and community members along the way.

While there are many challenges ahead, there is truly a bright future for our kids and community thanks to your continued support of Caledonia Community Schools. On behalf of all of us, THANK YOU in helping us with our quest of Cultivating Agile Learners!

Dr. Dedrick Martin 
Superintendent, Caledonia Community Schools

Check out our Town Hall page on our website for recordings and presentations related to the bond.