East Lansing Bond Proposal Fails
By a slim margin, residents voted down the 53-million-dollar bond proposal. Opponents are relieved, arguing that there are better options for East Lansing Public Schools.
"We're looking for a broader plan, one that would include all the elementary schools within the district including Red Cedar," said Marcia Vanness, president of the Red Cedar Community Association.
If voters approved the plan, the district would've moved forward with closing Red Cedar Elementary among other changes. Some of the strongest opposition to the proposal came from those in the Red Cedar community.
"Red Cedar has a proud history in this community of serving a diverse student population and as a role model school for multiculturalism," said Vanness.
However, supporters of the bond maintains it's what's best for the students.
"We need to update the schools. There's just no question about it. This is the time to do it," said East Lansing resident Ray Brock.
Now that residents have voted, East Lansing School Board President Rima Addiego says they will have to re-examine options and come up with a different set of plans for the district.
If the bond proposal were approved, other changes within the district would have also included rebuilding five elementary schools, adding a 6th grade wing to MacDonald Middle School and providing technology updates for students K-12.
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