Richmond Community Schools has long stood as a pillar of academic achievement and community pride. Our district’s steady enrollment growth over the past decade is a testament to the confidence families place in our schools, educators, and programs. As Richmond continues to grow, so too does the responsibility to ensure our facilities match the needs of every student who walks through our doors, both now and into the future.
On November 4, 2025, voters will have the opportunity to shape this future by supporting a No-Increase Millage Bond Proposal. This proposal is a carefully crafted plan that will allow Richmond Community Schools to expand and improve its educational facilities without raising the tax rate above the current level — a fiscally responsible strategy designed to meet the challenges of growth while honoring the investment our community has already made in education.
Why This Proposal?
Enrollment Growth — A Sign of Strength and Opportunity
Over the past ten years, Richmond Community Schools has experienced consistent and meaningful growth. Our district is increasingly recognized as a destination for families seeking both academic excellence and community connection. Looking forward, projections indicate this growth will not only continue but accelerate. Over the next decade, enrollment is expected to climb by 16%, representing an increase of approximately 300 additional students district-wide.
This growth is a powerful endorsement of our district's quality — but it also brings urgent challenges:
1. Classroom space is becoming limited.
2. Common areas are reaching capacity.
3. Facilities designed for yesterday's student populations are struggling to meet today’s and tomorrow's needs.
Now is the time to act — with thoughtful, future-focused planning.
A Smart, Responsible Financial Approach
Thanks to sound financial management and steady repayment of existing bonds, Richmond Community Schools has positioned itself for a strategic investment in its future — without increasing the tax burden on local homeowners.
In both July 2023 and July 2024, the district reduced the millage rate, easing the tax load on the community. Projections show that by July 2026, the rate will decrease by another 1.7 mills. The proposed bond for 2025 takes advantage of this favorable timing by replacing expiring debt with new funding for necessary improvements, while maintaining the current tax rate.
If approved, this proposal would authorize the district to issue $51,500,000 in bonds, and generate approximately $395,047 in capitalized interest — for a total estimated investment of $51.78 million. This is a no-increase millage proposal, meaning the community continues paying the same rate, but the schools gain essential resources.
What Will the Bond Fund?
This proposal is about creating space, ensuring safety, and enhancing opportunity. The funds will directly support critical expansions and improvements at all three Richmond Community Schools buildings:
Richmond Middle School
1. Significant expansions to accommodate rising student enrollment.
2. Modernized and flexible learning spaces designed to support 21st-century teaching techniques. 3. Improved infrastructure to support both academic and extracurricular programming.
Richmond High School
1. Expansion of academic and elective classrooms.
2. Upgrades to science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) facilities.
3. Enhanced spaces for arts, athletics, and after-school community activities.
Will L. Lee Elementary
1. Strategic renovations to optimize existing space.
2. Improvements designed to support foundational learning and early childhood education.
Preparing for Tomorrow’s Students, Today
This investment isn’t about adding bells and whistles — it’s about preparing for what we know is coming. Richmond Community Schools has experienced steady enrollment growth, and all projections show that this trend will continue well into the future. While our current facilities have served us well, they were not designed to support the number of students we are on track to welcome in the coming years.
This proposal ensures we stay ahead of the curve — expanding capacity and modernizing learning spaces to meet the real, growing needs of our students, not for luxury, but for long-term readiness.
Our schools are more than just classrooms — they are the heart of the Richmond community. When students have the space and resources they need to succeed, the entire community benefits. The proposed improvements will:
1. Provide additional after-hours spaces for community groups, local events, and civic activities.
2. Support a modern educational environment where students can engage, collaborate, and explore.
3. Ensure Richmond Community Schools remain competitive and attractive for future families.
4. Preserve property values by strengthening the district’s reputation for excellence.
A Vote for the Future — With Zero Increase in Tax Rate
We know that every dollar matters to Richmond families. That’s why this bond proposal was designed with a clear commitment to financial responsibility.
Because Richmond Community Schools has diligently managed its existing bond obligations, this proposal does not ask for a millage rate increase. Instead, it represents a seamless transition from old debt to new investments, ensuring that the momentum we’ve built as a district continues, while your tax rate remains steady.
Your Voice, Your Schools, Your Community
Richmond’s schools are more than buildings. They are places where potential is unlocked, dreams take shape, and futures are built. The No-Increase Millage Bond Proposal is a once-in-a-decade opportunity to address current space constraints and prepare for the future — while protecting taxpayers from additional costs.
When you vote YES on November 4, 2025, you’re voting to:
1. Support a smart, responsible plan to address growing enrollment.
2. Maintain and enhance the quality of Richmond’s educational facilities.
3. Strengthen the community’s most valuable asset — its schools — without increasing your tax rate.
Learn More — Get Involved
We encourage every resident to stay informed and ask questions. Transparency and community involvement are the cornerstones of this proposal. For answers to common questions or to speak directly with district representatives, please visit the “Just Ask Us” page on the Richmond Community Schools website, or clicking the link below:
"Just Ask Us"
More Information on Proposed No-Increase Millage
Together, We Build the Future
Richmond Community Schools has a proud history of success. Let’s ensure the future is even brighter. On November 4, 2025, join us in voting YES for a no-increase millage that will support smart growth, modern facilities, and lasting opportunity for all Richmond students — today, tomorrow, and for generations to come.
* Over the previous year's millage levy. This millage "ask" of the community is primarily about creating space for current and projected enrollment.
Richmond Community Schools: Guaranteed Learning for All Students
35276 Division Road
Richmond, MI 48062
Phone: +1 (586) 727 - 3565