2026 SINKING FUND RENEWAL
VOTE
On or Before
August 4th, 2026
NO TAX RATE INCREASE
2026 Sinking Fund Renewal – No Tax Increase
On August 4th, 2026, voters will vote on renewing the Sinking Fund at a mill rate of 0.9345.
The current 10-year Sinking Fund is set to expire in 2027. It was originally approved on August 7th, 2018 when the Whitmore Lake community supported the renewal of the 2016 three-year 1.0 mill. It has since rolled back to 0.9345.
Renewing the Sinking Fund is a renewal of current taxes – NO INCREASE.
What Does the Sinking Fund Cover?
Facilities
- Parking lot and sidewalk replacements
- - Estimated replacement cost: $1-1.5 million
per campus
- - Estimated replacement cost: $1-1.5 million
- Heating and cooling system replacements
Technology
- Student and classroom technology
- Staff devices and instructional technology
Safety
- Door and building security upgrades
- Entrance and access controls
What Doesn’t the Sinking Fund Pay For?
Salaries
Buses
Curriculum
Concerned About What Will Happen if This Doesn't Pass?
Please feel free to reach out to Superintendent Tom DeKeyser with any concerns about what will happen for WLPS if the Sinking Fund is not renewed in 2026. Contact Tom DeKeyser at tom.dekeyser@wlps.net or 734-449-4464 ext. 5000.
Come See for Yourself – Book a WLPS Van Tour with Tom DeKeyser!
As a taxpayer in the Whitmore Lake community, we invite you to come take a tour of our facilities, led by Superintendent Tom DeKeyser. You'll get to see all of the areas your dollars will impact with the Sinking Fund renewal.
How Has the Sinking Fund Been Used So Far?
Technology
- Smart Boards in every classroom
- Updated and high-quality computers for teachers and staff
- Student devices: every student and/or classroom are provided age-appropriate devices to aid in learning
- Digital signs at all campuses: broken signs replaced with high-quality digital signs to keep the school community informed
- Upgraded WLHS theater lighting in combination with a CTE grant
Safety
- Redesigned the Middle/High School entrance, requiring visitors to enter into a vestibule instead of accessing the building right upon entry
- New security camera system installed district-wide
- Smartboot Security & Alert System installed district-wide to improve classroom and building lockdown security
- New building check-in systems to screen visitors and guests
Facilities
- Select district-wide HVAC & mechanical repairs
- Select district-wide internal & external lighting repairs
- District-wide drinking fountain bottle filler stations
- WLES east parking lot replacement
- WLES playground: address drainage issues and help in purchasing and installing playground equipment
- Elementary walk-in freezer
- WLHS track re-striping
- WLHS gym floor refinishing
- WLHS baseball scoreboard & batting cage
- WLHS shot put & discus area replacement
- WLHS parking lot select area replacement
- WLHS Theater bleacher seating
- Energy Bond: To stretch taxpayer dollars further, we partnered with TRANE through an energy savings program. Essentially, we used our sinking fund to install energy-saving LED lighting across the district. The resulting energy savings help offset the cost of upgrading HVAC control systems in all of our buildings. By taking this approach, we are able to address important facility needs sooner while also reducing long-term operating costs.
Want to learn more about all that we've done so far? Visit our Bond Updates page for more details.
Bond Updates2026 Sinking Fund - Fact or Fiction?
During elections, voters are presented with information and/or statements that can be contradictory, inaccurate, or misleading. Whitmore Lake Public Schools is dedicated to providing factual information to voters. We've created a form you can use to submit your questions about the 2026 Sinking Fund, what it covers, what it doesn't cover, how the funds have been used so far, what will happen if the Sinking Fund is not renewed, and more.
WLPS will review the questions, determine if the information is "Fact" or "Fiction", and post updates on the page linked below. Explanations as to the validity of the questions will be provided.
Additionally, voters may reach out directly to Superintendent Tom DeKeyser with any questions about the Sinking Fund renewal. You can contact Tom DeKeyser at tom.dekeyser@wlps.net or 734-449-4464 ext. 5000.
Financial Transparency
Annual ReportsHow is the Sinking Fund Spent in Each Priority Area Since 2018?
Safety & Security:
21%
Facility Repair &
Maintenance: 34%
Technology:
45%
Voter Information for the Renewal of the 2018 Sinking Fund
Visit www.michigan.gov/vote to register to vote online. The last day to register by mail to participate in the August 4th, 2026 election is July 20th, 2026. You may also register at any time up to 8 p.m. on Election Day at your city or township clerk's office with proof of residency. For assistance in obtaining the address of your local clerk, visit www.michigan.gov/vote.
Questions? Let Us Know!
Do you have questions about the 2026 Sinking Fund Renewal?
Fill out the form below to send us your questions, and we'll get back to you as soon as possible. Thank you!
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