16/10/2026
At Monday night's City Council meeting, we heard a presentation from Ferndale Public Schools
*A few highlights from the presentation:
*KULICK LAND SWAP*
FPS emphasized the importance of honoring Kulick's history and community role, protecting its long-term finances, and creating safer, better-connected school campuses.
Throughout the Kulick discussions, FPS leadership has consistently come to the table in a spirit of collaboration. I was particularly encouraged when, at a recent Board of Education meeting, Board President Mark De La Vergne expressed his desire to continue strengthening the relationship between our schools and city, not just around Kulick, but through future opportunities for collaboration, even after the land swap is complete.
I couldn't agree more. Our partnership should extend beyond any single agreement or project, rooted in open communication, people-first decision-making, and a shared commitment to the community we serve. I'm excited about what we can accomplish together, because I firmly believe that strong communities invest in strong schools, and strong schools, in turn, strengthen and enrich the entire community.
Thank you to Superintendent Hibbler, Deputy Superintendent Wright, and the entire Board of Education for their leadership, engagement, and commitment to working together.
*TRAFFIC & NEIGHBORHOOD IMPACTS*
FPS will work with Ferndale and Pleasant Ridge on traffic studies around Roosevelt and the middle/high school campus, including drop-off and pickup concerns. Bell schedules, transportation, and staffing arrangements are still being developed.
*SCHOOL RENOVATIONS & TEMPORARY RELOCATION*
Ferndale Middle School students and staff are expected to temporarily move to the former Roosevelt Elementary building for the 2027–28 school year while the shared middle/high school building undergoes renovations. High school students will remain on campus during construction, which is expected to take approximately 2.5 to 3 years. The district estimates this approach will save $500,000, complete the middle school wing five months sooner, and reduce construction activity around students.
*SCHOOL OPERATING MILLAGE PROPOSAL*
The district also discussed the operating millage replacement proposal on the November ballot. This would replace, restore, and extend the district's authority to levy operating taxes on non-homestead property, generally excluding principal residences. The proposal would maintain authority to levy up to 18 mills, with protection against future Headlee rollbacks, through 2046. The district estimates approximately $6.74 million in operating revenue in 2027. This funding supports day-to-day school operations and is separate from the voter-approved 2025 facilities bond.
Learn more about the district's plans and proposals:
Facilities transition:
https://www.ferndaleschools.org/page/transition-plans
Operating millage:
https://www.ferndaleschools.org/page/millage
