District overview
Funding structure, how it compares to peers, and where major projects stand.
Grand Ledge Public Schools serves about 5,500 students in Grand Ledge, Delta Township and nearby parts of Eaton, Clinton and Ionia counties. Most operating money comes from Michigan's per-student foundation allowance, set each year by the state budget, plus an 18-mill levy on non-homestead property. Buildings are paid for with voter-approved bonds (5.63 debt mills) and a sinking fund. A seven-member elected Board of Education sets the budget and policies and hires the superintendent, Dr. William (Bill) Barnes.
Revenue is projected at $79.5 million, so the budget uses $2.8 million of savings, leaving $12.95 million.
Up to $123.5 million for additions, cafeterias, a new high school gym, HVAC, technology and security, at the current 5.63 debt mills.
Staff say enrollment is back to pre-pandemic levels while most mid-Michigan districts are shrinking.
The 2025-26 audit found no material weaknesses.
The state budget was not final when the 2026-27 budget was adopted, so the district expects amendments.
16.29% of revenue.
Approximate, from the October 12, 2026 superintendent remarks.
Classroom additions at Delta Mills, Delta Center, Holbrook and Willow Ridge; new cafeterias at Wacousta and Hayes; a Beagle addition; high school science labs, media center, auditorium and a new competition gym; HVAC, technology, furniture and security film.
Voter-approved bonds at the current 5.63 debt mills
The former Wacousta Elementary now houses a sheriff's office space, a library branch, a preschool and a planned culinary arts program.
Sinking fund and a $400,000 state grant for culinary arts
Grand Ledge Public Schools · $123,500,000
Voters decide on November 3, 2026 whether the district may issue up to $123.5 million in bonds for additions, cafeterias, a new high school gym, HVAC, technology and security. The district expects the debt rate to stay at 5.63 mills.
Official source · verified Oct 30, 2026
Practical guides to school phone policies, district budgets, and administrator hiring.
Explore resources →Collected from the district's Foxbright board pages (www.glcomets.net): agendas, board packets, minutes and embedded YouTube recordings for every meeting from November 10, 2025 to October 26, 2026, plus the Bond 2026 FAQ, slides and brochure.
We read every agenda, packet, recording, and set of minutes, and write up the decisions that affect families — each one linked to the document it came from.
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