Bond Information

 Just like a homeowner, the Alpena Public Schools maintains its facilities to the best of our ability using available funds. Even with the best of care, however, any roof will eventually leak, and any boiler will begin to show its age and lack of efficiency. When a roof or heating system gets beyond its life expectancy, it becomes an obligation to address the problem. Homeowners often seek home improvement loans to fund these expenses. School districts must ask voters.

Our buildings see thousands of students through their doors every year. We want to provide a great learning environment for them, and keeping kids dry and warm is an absolute must. Part of the March 10, 2020 bond proposal was to address our old boilers and many failing roofs. The document below lists the age of the existing boilers and roofs around the district.

Replacement Age - Roofs and Boilers

The safety of our students is our highest priority. This commitment demands that we follow best practices in making sure that our buildings are secure. Each school within the district will receive upgrades to improve our ability to monitor student safety through the installation of carefully placed indoor and outdoor security cameras and to maintain orderly access to all our facilities by constructing secure entryways

Safe, Warm, Dry Bond Project Updates

Bids, Reports and Other Information

As work starts and progresses on projects under the Safe, Warm, Dry Bond, we will post updates here. If you have questions, please call Superintendent David Rabbideau at 358-5042 or send an email to rabbideaud@alpenaschools.com.

7.22.24 Summary of Summer 2024 Work

At Alpena High School, the roof replacement is about 75% completed, with crews still finishing the gym and auditorium roofs. Sub-fascia work around houses D, E, and F is nearly completed, and panel crews are following behind to install the new metal siding over the top. The installation of new doors and card access control work is progressing, with about half of the openings completed. 

Wilson is also making good progress with the new flooring installation throughout most of the building being wrapped up this week, along with the kitchen remodel including new wall coverings, cabinets, and epoxy flooring. The kitchen equipment will be put back in place, and a final construction cleaning will take place early next week.

Click HERE for AHS Summer 2024 pictures

Click HERE for Wilson Summer 2024 pictures

7.1.23 Summary of Summer 2023 Work 

Our buildings are busy with Safe, Warm, Dry Bond construction right now. Lincoln Elementary has a new roof, Besser Elementary has had asbestos abatement work done and demolition is underway in preparation for the upcoming construction, flooring replacement at Thunder Bay Junior High is moving along, preparation and installation of univents at Hinks Elementary is underway, and Sanborn Elementary ceiling replacement will begin soon. Thank you to our community for supporting the Safe, Warm, Dry Bond. For the third year in a row, our students and staff will be coming back to greatly improved buildings. In addition to the extensive bond construction this summer, district staff will be working to bring two additional upgrades to our buildings. Using school safety grant money from the state of Michigan, window blinds in each building will be replaced. The blinds across the district were last replaced in the late 1990s. From our general fund, dry erase boards will be replaced/installed in classrooms across the district. We will be working to complete these districtwide projects as quickly as possible.


07.05.22: Summary of Summer, 2022 Work

TBJH: Science Lab Electrical Circuit Upgrades, Dry Fire Suppression System Main line and head replacement in zones, Secure entry/vestibule Upgrade, Key Card Access System, Bottle Fill Drinking fountains being installed  

Sanborn: Roof Replacement with added insulation, Secure entry/vestibule Upgrade, Parking lot and drop off improvements, Bottle Fill Drinking fountains being installed, Student Gang bathroom renovations, Partial Flooring Replacement (through ESSER Funds), Security Camera System (camera's may be here late summer/school year we are doing the wiring now though)

Hinks: Roof Replacement with added insulation, Secure entry/vestibule Upgrade, Parking lot and drop off improvements, Bottle Fill Drinking fountains being installed, Student Gang bathroom renovations, Partial Flooring Replacement (through ESSER Funds), Security Camera System (camera's may be here late summer/school year we are doing the wiring now though). North End Septic System Replacement, New Student Lockers

04.25.21: Bond and Performance Contract Updates

Kurt Konieczny shared an update about water conservation, lighting projects, boiler scope, building automation/controls upgrade, asbestos abatements, and planning and preparation work on Ella White Elementary. 04.25.21 Update. 

03.15.21: Asbestos Abatement Community Awareness Presentation

Lisa Whitton from Nova Environmental, Inc. provided information about the asbestos abatement safety and protocols for the mitigation of asbestos before bond construction work begins at district buildings. This presentation was presented four times to the public. You can view it using the following link: 03.15.21 Asbestos Abatement Community Awareness

01.25.21: Bid Awards for Wilson, Besser and Lincoln Work

The award bids cover general trades, paving, HVAC, electrical, site work, and roofing work.

12.16.20: Bid Ad Posted in The Alpena News - Wilson, Besser, and Lincoln Elementary Schools


12.08.20: AHS Lighting

New lighting is being installed at AHS and Nova Environmental is onsite for asbestos abatement estimates.

Now that the March 10, 2020 bond proposal has been approved by Alpena Public Schools voters, a number of projects will be completed at each school. The focus of these projects is to improve student safety, replace many outdated and inefficient heating systems, and address all the old roofs around the district.

Below is a list of projects to be completed. Questions about the projects can be directed to Superintendent John VanWagoner at 989-358-5042.

PDF DocumentHighlights of 2020 Zero Mill Proposal
PDF DocumentFull Itemized List
PDF DocumentPreliminary Application Dated 11/05/19

Trane Energy Conservation Bond Project Updates

February 1, 2021

Photo of new boilers being installed at Besser Elementary School.New Boiler installation at Besser Elementary.

January 25, 2021 Update

Project signs were posted at all building project sites by Trane.

Updated Lighting Schedule for APS Buildings was shared with the Property Committee in January.

November 16, 2020 Update

The Board of Education viewed a slide deck presentation by Trane Technologies at the November 16 Board meeting. Trane rep Gwen Pettit shared photos and a progress report on mechanical, lighting, controls, water, and building envelope improvements and upgrades. You can view the slide deck using the following link:

11.16.20 Alpena Public Schools Project Status

Questions?

Call any APS principal, or contact Superintendent David Rabbideau at 989-358-5042.

Thanks for your support to keep our kids Safe, Warm and Dry!

On Tuesday, March 10, 2020, voters in the Alpena Public School District approved a zero (0) mill increase to provide enhancements to school district facilities.

Every project in the bond proposal was reviewed and approved by the Michigan Department of Treasury. All renovations and upgrades will comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The information on this page is provided to make sure members of the community understand the proposal and how the approved funds are being used to improve our facilities. Check back frequently as new information will be added as the scheduled voting day approaches.