The Marquette Area Public Schools Board of Education has released the results of a community survey about a potential bond proposal that would help the district address critical facility infrastructure updates. (Journal file photo)

MARQUETTE — A majority of parents and district residents who responded to a Marquette Area Public School survey on the potential of a new bond proposal to underwrite tens of millions of dollars in facility upgrades, support the idea.

MAPS officials have released the results from the September survey, which was mailed to every household within the district and was also available online. Here are key findings:

• 1,929 respondents (376 was needed for statistical significance)

• 74% of respondents do not have children in the district (This subgroup represents approximately 80% of the community, based on the most recent American Community Survey Data (run by Census Bureau))

• 69% of resident parents supported the $60 million Priority 1 Projects Bond Proposal (This subgroup represents an estimated 20% of the community).

• 53.8% of all survey respondents support the $60 million Priority 1 Projects Bond Proposal.

• 72% of respondents feel that MAPS is delivering a high-quality education.

School Perceptions, LLC., an independent data firm with extensive expertise conducting school district surveys, facilitated the survey process and gathered the confidential data collected from residents and staff.

“What did we learn?” said Dr. Rob DeMeuse, vice president of research with School Perceptions, said, “All major subgroups support the district exploring a bond proposal, and at least 50% of all subgroups support the $60 million Priority 1 Projects as a bond proposal.”

Added MAPS Superintendent Zack Sedgwick: “”We are grateful to our community, staff and parents for participating in the district-wide survey. We feel that this input will help inform and guide the School Board and administration as we develop a plan to best address the needs of our students and staff.”

The local survey followed a state assessment in 2024 that identified $100 million in needed facilities upgrades at MAPS.

A full report from School Perceptions, as well as an executive summary, is available on the district website on the Facilities Planning page at https://www.mapsnet.org/page/facilities-planning.

Questions can be directed to mapsinfo@mapsnet.org or 906-225-4200.

Bud Sargent can be reached at 906-228-2500, extension 554. His email address is bsargent@miningjournal.net.