HEMLOCK PUBLIC SCHOOL DISTRICT
Alright, Hemlock. Lady Budgetdown found herself another little timeline to put on the ledger.
And before anyone starts sharpening the pitchforks: Hemlock IS growing. This is not one of those districts losing hundreds of students while asking taxpayers to build more space.
But the bond timeline deserves a closer look.
In May 2022, Hemlock voters approved:
💰 $41.9 MILLION in new bond debt
The district said the proposal would maintain the existing millage rate, and the bond could remain outstanding for as long as 30 years.
Then, one month later, Hemlock told the community that aside from the recurring non-homestead operating millage and a possible sinking-fund renewal in 2030:
"there is nothing else in the current forecast." (Hemlock Public School District)
Well... forecasts apparently change. Fast-forward to June 17, 2026. Hemlock issued a formal RFP for the expansion of Hemlock Elementary/Early Childhood Center.
That document says:
💰 Approximately $1 MILLION in USDA funding for Phase I
💰 A November 2026 bond of approximately $14 MILLION
💰 About $2–3 MILLION of that future bond expected to go toward additional work at Hemlock Elementary
Now fast-forward less than two months.
On August 13, 2026, Hemlock announced the actual bond proposal going to voters November 3:
💰 $17.75 MILLION
That is $3.75 MILLION, or roughly 27%, higher than the approximately $14 million contemplated in the June RFP.
The district says the new bond would fund classroom additions at Hemlock Elementary and K.C. Ling, safety improvements, sidewalks, paved parking, remodeling, technology, buses, playgrounds, athletic facilities and other site improvements. (Hemlock Public School District)
The estimated 2027 levy?
1.10 mills.
The advertised net increase?
0.00 mills.
And this is where words matter. A 0.00-mill net increase does NOT mean voters are approving $0 in new debt.
It means the district says the tax RATE can remain at its current level while taxpayers authorize another $17.75 million in borrowing. Those are two very different things.
Between the 2022 authorization and the proposed 2026 authorization, we're talking about:
👑 $41.9 million — 2022
👑 $17.75 million — proposed 2026
👑 $59.65 MILLION in combined principal
That does NOT include interest.
And because I have not been able to obtain the district's 3881 showing the complete proposed debt structure, Lady Budgetdown is not going to invent an interest figure just to make a prettier post.
So here are my questions before November:
Why did the projected bond grow from approximately $14 million in June to $17.75 million in August?
What specifically makes up the full $17.75 million project budget?
How much of the district's current space pressure comes from resident enrollment growth, early-childhood expansion and Schools of Choice?
What will the new bonds cost taxpayers in total principal AND interest over their life?
And how long will taxpayers actually be paying them?
Hemlock may very well have good answers to every one of those questions.
But when taxpayers are being asked to authorize another $17.75 million just four years after approving $41.9 million, I think they deserve to see the whole ledger before Election Day.
No assumptions.
No accusations.
Just one very expensive timeline and a few questions still waiting for receipts. 👑🪶
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