MAPS Bond Proposal Allows NMU Students to Vote on $59.995M Facilities Plan

The proposal aims to address over $100 million in identified facility needs across the district.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 4:20pm

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An upcoming $59.995 million Marquette Area Public Schools (MAPS) Bond Proposal will allow Northern Michigan University (NMU) students to vote on the plan, which targets safety, infrastructure, and future-ready learning upgrades across the district's facilities. The proposal follows two independent studies that identified over $100 million in total facility needs, as well as a community-wide survey showing 53.8% support for a plan of this scale.

Why it matters

For many NMU students, Marquette is their current home, and the MAPS schools are primary sites for student teaching in the university's School of Education. Allowing NMU students to vote on the bond proposal ensures their voices are heard on an issue that directly impacts their local community and educational experience.

The details

The bond proposal aims to address a range of facility needs, including secure entrances, upgraded communication systems, expanded camera coverage, ADA improvements, as well as heating, ventilation, electrical, and building envelope upgrades that exceed the district's $1.3 million annual sinking fund. The estimated tax impact is 1.55 mills, or approximately $12.92 per month for a home with a $100,000 market value.

  • The Marquette Area Public Schools Bond Proposal is upcoming.

The players

Courtney Larson

NMU student and Public Relations and Communications Support for MAPS.

Marquette Area Public Schools (MAPS)

The public school district in Marquette, Michigan that is proposing the $59.995 million bond measure.

Northern Michigan University (NMU)

The university located in Marquette, Michigan, whose students will be able to vote on the MAPS bond proposal.

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What they’re saying

“For many NMU students, Marquette is more than just a place to attend class; it is their current home. For those in NMU's School of Education, MAPS schools are primary sites for student teaching. Modernizing these facilities ensures NMU students train in high-quality, safe environments.”

— Courtney Larson, NMU student and Public Relations and Communications Support for MAPS

“This proposal is the culmination of extensive, community-driven planning designed to address over $100 million in identified facility needs. Focused on the theme of 'Every Building, Every Student,' the plan prioritizes safety, infrastructure, and future-ready learning. Our recent community survey indicated 53.8% support for a plan of this scale, reinforcing that this is a fiscally responsible solution aligned with public priorities.”

— Courtney Larson, NMU student and Public Relations and Communications Support for MAPS

What’s next

NMU students will have the opportunity to vote on the $59.995 million MAPS Bond Proposal.

The takeaway

By allowing NMU students to vote on the MAPS Bond Proposal, the district is ensuring that the voices of those who are deeply invested in the Marquette community and its educational institutions are heard on an issue that will directly impact their local environment and experiences.