Our Future

Board moves forward with May 4 bond vote

The Zeeland Board of Education February 22 unanimously approved language that will place a $20.275 million bond issue on the ballot May 4.  The proposal is designed to complete four goals established by parents, staff, students, and citizens during public meetings in the fall of 2008:

1. Provide space to handle district growth
2. Return kindergarten to the elementary schools and create a clear feeder pattern
3. Update our technology and involve students in all grades
4. Provide safety and security measures.  

CLICK HERE to view an informative Power Point presentation about the proposal.

POSTED February 24, 2010

Board considers May 4 bond issue 

At a work study session January 28, the Zeeland Board of Education discussed components of a bond issue that would address continued growth in our schools, technology, and safety and security. The meeting was for discussion only.  The Board could decide February 22 whether to place the proposal on the ballot for the annual school election May 4. To read a summary of the proposal shared at the work study session, click HERE. 

POSTED February 1, 2010

Economy lags but planning continues
    Faced with a sagging economy and sensitive to the plight of those
who have lost their jobs, Zeeland school officials announced this fall that
a bond issue to handle future growth would not be on the ballot for the
November 3 election. But that has not stopped the planning process.
“We’ve never stopped working toward the future,” Superintendent
Gary L. Feenstra said. “The planning must continue because our district
continues to grow. The official count September 30 was 5,588 students,
a 2.5 percent increase over last year.”

For more details, click HERE or click on the growth chart above.

POSTED 11/23/09

"Our Future" archives: 

District puts bond issue on hold:  “right plan but the wrong time”
    After much study, Zeeland school officials have decided to put a November, 2009, bond proposal on hold.
    “It is the right plan for our district but it is the wrong time,” Superintendent Gary L. Feenstra said.  The plan—which included a new elementary school, district-wide technology improvement, more space at both high schools, and improved parking and security—was developed through a grass roots community effort highlighted by a large public forum last fall.
    ““This plan was crafted by our citizens, staff, and students and represents hundreds of hours of study and discussion,” Feenstra said. “However, we must be sensitive to the economic dilemma facing our state and the plight of those among us who have lost their jobs, their homes, or both.”
Growth continues, so boundary changes are likely
   The bond issue would have addressed growth issues in the district, providing classroom space for a steadily growing student population.             
    “We’ve been blessed with continued growth, despite the economy,” Feenstra said. “We must continue to address growth the best way we can.”  
    Until a bond proposal becomes a reality, the district will work on modifying its interior boundaries to keep the school population balanced.  The largest imbalance is being felt at the high school level. Zeeland East High School has approximately 1,020 students while Zeeland West has about 750.  A committee of parents and educators will tackle the boundary issue during the 2009-2010 school year.  POSTED 8/18/09