By Gari Voss
When Bloomingdale Public Schools students returned to school for the 2026-27 school year, they entered their buildings through new portals. The entryways open into a safety foyer that permits entry into an office. These new entries are just an example of the improvement made because of the $17 million bond proposal that voters approved in May 2024. The improvements focused not only on safety at all three campuses, but on boilers, parking lots, and modernizing the facilities that can impact the learning environment for all students. In short, the bond is enhancing safety, modernizing buildings, and creating exceptional learning environments for all students.
The Board of Education worked to ensure that improvements would be a long-term investment in aging buildings. There was little new construction with the focus on updating the mechanical systems, roofs, and windows, that would preserve the existing buildings for future generations. These improvements will enhance energy efficiency, thus reducing operating costs.
In addition, the “curb appeal” and safety for pick up and drop off zones needed attention. Students and visitors will learn the bus and car system at each school. Sidewalks have been removed and new concrete laid to make passage safety.
From May 2024 to the summer of 2025, developing plans and timelines took center stage. During the summer of 2025, Series 1 of the construction project began. Improvements were made to Bloomingdale High School including the entry, office, electrical system, boilers, and parking/bus drop off.
Bloomingdale Elementary received a secure entry along with an office facelift, new boilers, and repaired pathways and parking areas and bus drop off.
Pullman Elementary’s entry and office received attention along with the boilers, exterior walls and roof, major parking lot / bus drop off improvements, floors, and more.
Summer 2025 provided many improvements, but there was still more work to complete.
As soon as the 2026 summer break began, Series 2 projects began. Critical attention was given to Bloomingdale Middle School. Sections of this facility are some of the oldest in the school district. The roof was of major concern along with the sidewalks that lead students and visitors to the classrooms and the gymnasium. Energy efficient windows took the place of weather worn glass and frames, the lobby to the gymnasium received security doors so the hallways to other parts of the building could be closed off during events, bathrooms were gutted so walls and floors could receive long needed attention.
While attention was being given to the Middle and High School, Bloomingdale Elementary still needed upgrades. During summer 2026, the Bloomingdale Elementary gym walls and ceiling received a fresh coat of paint. Classroom and gang bathrooms were renovated. Exterior windows were replaced, and broken concrete walks were uprooted and replaced.
Pullman Elementary had received much attention in 2025, but there were still windows to replace. South Street, that brings buses and cars into the parking lot, received attention as pavement was replaced.
Around the schools, signage was added to assist students, parents and visitors find their way. An example would have all Middle and High School students enter the building through the improved high school entrance. But if there is a basketball or volleyball game in the Middle School gym, the new entry off the Middle School parking lot would be used.
“A few remaining projects may extend into the beginning of the school year but are not expected to disrupt the start of school,” shared Superintendent Rick Reo. “We are grateful to our community for supporting this investment and remain committed to delivering the improvements presented to voters. Construction photos and updates are available on the Bond Project Update page at bdalecards.com/o/bps/ page/bond-update.”
The extremely sincere thank you to the voters in the Bloomingdale Public School District extends to the supporters of the 18 mills operating millage that is automatically reduced because of the Headlee Amendment. The residents have been gracious in restoring this non-homestead operating millage that does not affect primary residence property. Maintaining the 18 mills is extremely important to every school district as it is basic operating revenue that supports the district’s general fund and helps pay for day-to-day school operations, including staffing, classroom materials, transportation, utilities, student programs, and other regular operating expenses.
“We recognize that any tax matter deserves careful consideration, and we are mindful of the financial pressures faced by families, businesses, property owners, and local communities. School districts do not take these requests lightly,” explained Reo. “However, Michigan’s school funding structure requires districts to seek voter approval to restore operating millage reduced by Headlee in order to receive the full funding amount assumed under the state’s foundation allowance formula.”
As the 2026-2027 School Year begins, the students, staff, and leadership of the Bloomingdale School District hope that residents of Pullman, Grand Junction, and Bloomingdale attend the many student and sporting events happening in the schools. Those who attended the schools over the years can reflect on how the halls and classroom used to look and enjoy the many improvements made passible by the districts voters.
