2025_Bond
Oct. 6 Town Hall Bond Presentation
Dear Novi Community School District families,
On November 4, 2025, Novi Community School District’s Board of Education is asking voters to consider a zero tax-rate increase $425 million bond proposal.
Excellence has always been the foundation of the Novi Community School District. As ourn district, community, and students continue to achieve the highest levels of success, we must elevate our expectations to push what is possible and remain a leading educational institution across our state and region. If approved, this investment would deliver essential upgrades across K–8 schools and unify decades of additions to the high school into one
bold plan.
This investment is excellence elevated—a renewed commitment to inspire, empower, and lead. The district hosted 40 staff sessions, 12 student sessions, four community town halls, and more than 100 coordinated meetings with stakeholders throughout the community to develop this bold, comprehensive plan that benefits students, teachers, staff, and community members.
Historically, numerous small additions have been made to the high school in response to our rapidly growing community, which have not necessarily been intentionally connected.
By taking a more comprehensive and holistic approach, our district will be able to unify every square foot of the high school campus in a proactive manner.
As a district that proudly serves more than 6,720 students, the bond program would give our schools the funds needed to uphold our trajectory for elevated excellence at a zero tax-rate increase. I want to emphasize that this proposal is NOT a request for a tax-rate increase, but simply an appeal to continue at the same funding level that has been maintained since 2015.
The back page of this document breaks down the ballot language that will be presented to Novi community members on Election Day, November 4.
Sincerely,
Ben Mainka, Superintendent
Novi Community School District
NCSD 2025 Bond Program
Frequently Asked Questions
What proposal is on the November 4, 2025, ballot?
Novi Community School District’s (NCSD’s) Board of Education is asking voters to
consider a transformative $425 million bond proposal. This investment would deliver
essential upgrades across K–8 schools and unify decades of additions to the high school
into one bold, unified plan.
How and why was this plan developed?
Our district hosted 40 staff sessions, 12 student sessions, four community town halls, and more than 100 coordinated meetings with stakeholders throughout the community to develop this bold, comprehensive plan that benefits students, teachers, staff, and community members.
Historically, numerous small additions have been made to the high school in response to our rapidly growing community, which have not necessarily been intentionally connected. By taking a more comprehensive and holistic approach, our district will be able to unify every square foot of the high school campus in a proactive manner.
How is it possible that this is a zero-tax-rate increase from the existing millage rate?
The current debt millage rate is 6.750. If passed, the millage rate is estimated to stay at or below 6.750.
Property tax costs may be lower for senior citizens or households with incomes below a certain level that qualify for the Homestead Property Tax Credit. For more information, visit Michigan.gov/taxes/iit/credits/hptc.
How do our community’s investments compare to those of other districts in the state from 2015-2024?
Please reference the chart below for comparable district facility investments (2015-2024)
School district |
Amount |
|---|---|
|
Walled Lake Consolidated Schools
|
$566 million |
| Huron Valley Schools | $543 million |
| Forest Hills Public Schools | $470 million |
| Okemos Public Schools | $300 million |
| Northville Public Schools | $239.4 million |
| Novi Community School District | $185 million |
What projects would be implemented if passed?
The following proposed projects will be implemented if the 2025 bond program passes:
NOVI HIGH SCHOOL: A BOLD, COMPREHENSIVE VISION & PLAN
-
New academic innovation hub, event commons, and skylight atrium
-
New multi-sport courts, an indoor track, a turf field, a natatorium, and a competition gym
- Performing arts lobby addition and extensive auditorium remodel
- Expansion and remodel of the Black Box Theatre and band/orchestra rooms
NOVI K-8: ADDITIONS, SAFETY, AND NECESSARY BUILDING IMPROVEMENTS
- Elementary classroom additions, extensive remodeling, and playground improvements
- Middle school STEM addition, secure athletic wing entrance, new turf field, and concessions complex
BUSES, FURNITURE, FIXTURES, EQUIPMENT, & TECHNOLOGY ("FFE&T")
- Equip learning spaces with smart technology and modern furniture
- Provide the necessary equipment to create supportive environments
What is the anticipated timing for projects in the proposed bond program?
Projects will be strategically planned and implemented through market analysis, bid
packaging, and timing strategies, with biannual board updates to provide transparency
and accountability.
packaging, and timing strategies, with biannual board updates to provide transparency
and accountability.
How does the bond support educational goals?
The proposed bond projects enhance student success by transforming learning
environments to better support modern educational needs. Specifically:
environments to better support modern educational needs. Specifically:
- Modernized and unified high school facilities will help provide students with access to updated academic, athletic, and performing arts spaces that foster engagement, creativity, and collaboration.
- Strategic K-8 improvements, such as new STEM spaces and classroom additions will help expand learning opportunities and improve safety and accessibility.
- Flexible furniture and innovative technology will help create adaptable classrooms that support diverse learning styles and instructional methods.
- Upgraded infrastructure, including energy-efficient systems and improved safety features, helps ensure students learn in comfortable, secure, and future-ready environments.
Together, these investments can create conditions that directly support academic
achievement, student well-being, and long-term success.
Why is NCSD going out for a bond program in 2025 after the 2019 bond issue?
The 2019 bond was issued before a pandemic that resulted in supply chain issues and an
unforeseen economic period. COVID disruptions made it difficult to promise all projects
would come to fruition, such as the new activity center.
unforeseen economic period. COVID disruptions made it difficult to promise all projects
would come to fruition, such as the new activity center.
The 2025 bond program presents a unique opportunity to rebuild the progress lost during
the disruptions. We strategically developed a comprehensive vision and plan to unify
decades of additions and benefit students, teachers, staff, and community members at a
cost that will not impact Novi’s community members.
What can bond money be used for?
Under current state law, bond dollars may be used for the construction, equipping,
furnishing, and remodeling of facilities; purchasing instructional technology equipment;
and site improvements.
furnishing, and remodeling of facilities; purchasing instructional technology equipment;
and site improvements.
Bond proceeds may not be used to pay for teacher or administrator salaries, routine
maintenance or repair costs, or other school district operating expenses.
Where do I register to vote?
The last day to register by mail or online is 15 days before the election (October 20). For in-person voting, you can register to vote at your city clerk’s office up to 8 p.m. on election day. To find your polling location, visit michigan.gov/vote.
When is Election Day?
Tuesday, November 4, 2025, is Election Day, and polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. You
can find your voting location through the Secretary of State website at
www.michigan.gov/sos.
can find your voting location through the Secretary of State website at
www.michigan.gov/sos.
If I am unable to vote on November 4, what are my options?
All registered voters in Michigan can vote before Election Day by voting early in person or
by using what’s called an absentee ballot. You can vote by absentee ballot through the
mail, without having to leave your home. You can apply for an absentee ballot online,
through the mail, or in person at the City of Novi Clerk's office.
by using what’s called an absentee ballot. You can vote by absentee ballot through the
mail, without having to leave your home. You can apply for an absentee ballot online,
through the mail, or in person at the City of Novi Clerk's office.
After voting, you can then return your absentee ballot at your local clerk's office, your city
or township's secure drop box, your early voting site, or your Election Day polling place.
Visit michigan.gov/vote for additional information on absentee and early voting.
Additional FAQ posted 9-25-25
Could you please share the projected debt-millage schedule by year that reconciles the first year levy of 2.04 mills with the long-term 3.52-mill average? In which years do you anticipate the debt millage being above 2.04 mills and by how much?
A. 2.04 mills is the estimated amount of bond millage of the total millage rate associated with this bond proposal in the first year (2026). 2.04 mills proposed bonds plus 4.71 mills existing bonds for a total bond millage rate of 6.75 mills in 2026.
Over time it is estimated that the existing bonds will be repaid and decrease their portion of the bond millage rate and increase the portion of the bond millage rate associated with this bond proposal. Please see the estimated table presenting the outstanding bonds balance along with the estimated bond millage rate allocation.
What assumptions are used for taxable value growth (and Headlee rollbacks)?
Voted bond millage is not subject to Headlee rollback calculations. A taxable value growth assumption of 4.50% is used for years 2026 through 2030. 3.50% taxable value growth assumption is used thereafter.
How are bond series timed relative to existing debt retirement?
Bond series or sales are scheduled for 2026, 2027, 2029, 2031, and 2032. Please see the attached estimated principal balance of the existing and proposed bonds by fiscal year.