MOUNT CLEMENS, Mich. – Voters in Mount Clemens overwhelmingly rejected a $91.82 million school bond proposal last week to renovate the district’s aging high school and improve educational facilities.
The proposal failed by a significant margin, with nearly 67% voting against the proposal and only 33% voting in support.
“Whether it’s at the board table or in the community, we are going to have to continue that effort to support the students that we serve,” said Dontae Walker.
Walker is a proud graduate of Mount Clemens High School and currently serves on the school board as its youngest member.
“Being a part of this school district from the start of kindergarten, it’s really a family district. We’re all close-knit and everyone kind of knows everyone,” Walker said.
At first, Walker said he was saddened by the bond failure but said he hopes it sparks more conversation about the district’s needs.
“Initially, it was kind of saddening because I know the students that we serve, which are over 90% economically disadvantaged, really need a safe environment that they can thrive in.
We have the right team to continue the work and momentum that we have. I don’t think we will ever be this big district that we once were in the 70s and 60s with thousands of students, but I think we can be the right size to fit the needs of all in the community.”
Dontae Walker
Last week, Superintendent Julian Roper gave Local 4 a tour of the old high school building.
He pointed out missing ceiling tiles, water damage, and a crumbling auditorium.
Even though the space isn’t being used by students, it’s still costing the district money.
Roper hoped the upgrades from the bond would help support current students, but also attract new ones.
“We want our kids back. The kids who have left. The families that didn’t choose us for whatever reason. We want them back, and that starts again with what you see when you pull up,” Roper said in an interview last week.
But voters weren’t convinced.
Laura Fournie, a longtime resident and city commissioner who voted against the proposal, expressed skepticism about the plan’s price tag.
“A major sticking point is I don’t think this area can afford it. We have a low median income. It’s not a reduction in taxes, and it’s going to be a hardship for the next many years,” she said.
Fournie also said many residents don’t trust the education within the district, leading to families enrolling their children in other schools.
“My daughter went to Mount Clemens High School. She wasn’t ready for college. My son tried. We pulled him out of junior high. We tried with my grandson. We pulled him out. We need to focus on the education, and I don’t think it takes $92 million to do that.”
Currently, the district sits at 823 students this school year, which is up compared to 2022.
But voters like Fournie said they still need more convincing before opening their wallets.
“We all want the best for every child in Mt. Clemens, but maybe the best isn’t this way,” she said. “Bring that enrollment up and then let’s talk, but right now, to spend $92 million on top of the more than $20 million that is already outstanding, it’s a lot for this area.”
A district school board workshop is scheduled for Wednesday night at 6:30. The bond decision is on the agenda.
STATEMENT FROM SUPERINTENDENT:
While our recent bond proposal did not pass, we want to make one thing clear. This is not a failure.
It’s also important to recognize the broader context. Nearly 50% of school bond proposals across the state were not approved in the recent election. This isn’t unique to Mount Clemens, it reflects the current societal and economic landscape. Communities everywhere are asking for more time, more evidence, and more assurance before making long-term commitments. And we respect that.
Our community has told us they want to see continued progress and that’s exactly what we plan to deliver. Like our students, we are resilient. We see this as a chance to come together, think creatively, and make the most of the resources we already have. That includes district owned real estate, like the historic school building we proposed for revitalization. To clarify, this building is not currently housing students. Our buildings are safe, and we remain focused on making them even safer.
Despite the bond outcome, our progress continues. In the last two years, we’ve seen:
• Increased student enrollment each year
• Expanded extracurricular opportunities for students
• Adopted a more rigorous and relevant curriculum
• And offering dual enrollment and early college pathways for all high school students
We remain unwavering in our mission to meet every student where they are and support their growth academically, socially, and emotionally. We are developing the whole child and preparing our students not just for the next grade, but for life.
This moment marks the beginning of a new chapter—one that invites innovation, collaboration, and continued forward movement. We are proud of where we are and even more excited about where we’re going."
