Dearborn Public Schools officially kicked off the informational campaign for the district’s historic $1.51 billion bond in the basement of one of the district’s oldest schools on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026.
“We are calling this a transformational bond because that is exactly what it will be. Over 20 years, every school and building in the district will be either replaced or extensively remodeled,” said Superintendent Mike Esseily. “With this bond, we would build six brand new preschool through eighth grade buildings and extensively remodel every remaining school in the district.”
Lowrey School, built in 1927, is slated to be replaced in the first of four waves of work if voters approve the bond in November 2026. Media and local officials who attended the press conference had a chance to see first hand the school’s 50-year old boiler, low-ceilings in the cafeteria, and deterioration in the school’s foundation.
Those problems are symbolic of infrastructure concerns across the district’s 36 schools, said Superintendent Mike Esseily.
“We want residents, including parents, to see some of the corners of the buildings they may not otherwise have access to. We need people to understand the challenges many of our buildings are facing behind the scenes,” Esseily said.
But the 30-year bond would do far more than patch up infrastructure. Six new schools, all preschool through eighth grade, would be built across the district, keeping students in their home neighborhoods while providing modern class space including more STEM labs, career education, and other upgrades. Over 20 years of construction, every school in the district would be completely revamped. All three traditional high schools – Fordson, Dearborn High and Edsel Ford – would remain and be modernized.
Joining the superintendent at the podium during the event were Dearborn Mayor Abdullah Hammoud, Dearborn Heights Mayor Mo Baydon, Dearborn Public Schools Trustee Mary Petlichkoff, and Dearborn Federation of Teachers President Kathi Martin.
Through a partnership with the City of Dearborn, the district’s bond will not raise property tax rates for Dearborn homeowners.
While the ballot question will ask for a 3.14 millage increase, that full amount is being offset by other tax reductions. The City of Dearborn is phasing out a millage for a combined sewer overflow bond, which will lower tax rates 0.94 mills compared to 2025. The district would also waive its operating millage if the bond passes, saving homeowners 2.18 mills. Together, those changes would result in a net zero change in tax rates for Dearborn homeowners. Homeowners in the section of Dearborn Heights that the district covers would see a slight increase.
Residents can learn more about the bond proposal on the district’s website at https://dearbornschools.org/2026-transformational-bond/. The press conference can be watched on the district’s YouTube channel.
Trustee Petlichkoff noted that the bond proposal successfully combines two studies the district had done in recent years to assess educational and infrastructure needs in Dearborn Public.
“This is an investment that strengthens our entire community. These improvements will create safe, modern and equitable spaces while preserving and protecting the Dearborn we know,” Trustee Petlichkoff said.
DFT President Kathi Martin said, “As educators, we know that learning environments matter. Research consistently shows that well-maintained schools improve student attendance, engagement, achievement, and staff retention. Investing in our facilities is investing in student success. This is not about luxury. It is about necessity.”
She recounted personal experiences such as a student in a wheelchair who had to change elementary schools because the elevator in her building didn’t work. There are students and staff with asthma in buildings with outdated ventilation systems, she said.
“Every child deserves to learn in a safe, healthy, modern school. Every educator deserves a classroom that supports learning instead of creating obstacles. And every family deserves confidence that their neighborhood school is prepared to meet the needs of today’s students and tomorrow’s workforce,” Ms. Martin said.