Both measures fall short
Unofficial results published by MLive on Nov. 4 showed 1,499 votes for the bond and 3,296 against it in Saginaw County. The four-year operating millage renewal received 2,274 yes votes and 2,526 no votes. Those counts represent only the Saginaw County portion of the district, which also extends into Midland County.
Two other school districts won approval for bonds in the same election, according to MLive's unofficial Saginaw County results. Freeland Community School District's proposal passed 3,088 to 2,833, while St. Charles Community Schools' proposal passed 1,581 to 1,515.
What the proposals would have funded
The operating measure sought to renew an authorized non-homestead tax rate of 18.0614 mills for 2027 through 2030. It applies to commercial, industrial, rental and other non-homestead property, but exempts qualifying owner-occupied primary residences.
According to Saginaw County records cited by MLive, a levy of 18 mills in 2027 was expected to bring in about $3.1 million. The district says the millage provides nearly $3 million a year for day-to-day operations.
The separate bond proposal would have allowed Hemlock to borrow up to $17.75 million. The district described it as tax-neutral: its estimated 2027 levy of 1.10 mills would have meant a net increase of 0.00 mills over the current levy.
Planned uses included more classroom space at Hemlock Elementary and K.C. Ling Elementary, along with safety and security work. The proposal also covered connections across the campus, sidewalks, parking and traffic flow, building improvements, instructional technology, transportation, equipment and other eligible capital projects.
The bonds could have remained outstanding for as long as 27 years. Their estimated average annual debt retirement millage was 1.03 mills, according to Saginaw County records reported by MLive in October 2026.
New arts center draws attention to funding differences
The election came just ahead of the opening celebration for Hemlock's new 670-seat performing arts center, one of several district infrastructure improvements. A ribbon cutting is scheduled for Friday at 6:50 p.m., with a performance beginning at 7 p.m.
Killingbeck told WNEM he believes the visible improvements likely contributed to the defeat of both measures. He emphasized that projects such as the arts center were paid for through a separate funding source, pointing to the tax-neutral bond voters approved in 2022.
"Construction money cannot be used for employee compensation. It can't be used to hire people. It can't be used for operations. It doesn't keep the lights on," Killingbeck said. "But when the average person sees what we were able to do with a tax-neutral bond approved by our voters in 2022, it looks like a lot."
District plans to hear from residents
Despite his disappointment with the results, Killingbeck said every district job is secure for now and students should see no classroom changes. He said the district remains committed to maintaining the education and services families receive.
As administrators consider their next steps, Killingbeck said they will invite residents to share suggestions through individual conversations or a town hall-style gathering.
"We're going to have opportunity. Invite people in. Whether it be individually, or like a town hall-type setting. But an opportunity to listen," he said. "And we're going to grow, and we're going to get better, and we're going to do it together."
Killingbeck said the district has not determined whether it will put either rejected proposal before voters again, or when another vote might take place.
