Dearborn voters approve $1.51B bond to build six new schools

Dearborn voters approved a $1.51 billion school bond on Tuesday, Nov. 3, clearing the way for six new schools and major renovations across Dearborn Public Schools over the next 20 years. The measure passed with 68.08% of the vote in unofficial results, with 27,893 voters supporting it and 13,075 opposed; all 44 precincts reported. The funding covers six new preschool-to-eighth-grade schools and extensive work at existing elementary and middle schools. Fordson, Dearborn and Edsel Ford high schools will stay in their current buildings but get major upgrades, including air conditioning, new classrooms, security improvements, restroom renovations, expanded career and technical education, and athletic facility upgrades. The district says the new 3.14-mill levy won’t raise the overall property tax rate citywide, though parts of Dearborn Heights and some non-homestead properties will see increases. Work will be delivered in four phases, with bonds repaid over about 30 years.