The Copper Country Intermediate School District (CCISD) has officially announced plans to submit to voters a transformative $45 million bond proposal, aiming to modernize educational spaces and significantly expand services for students and families throughout Houghton, Keweenaw, and Baraga Counties. The bond proposal will appear on the August 5, 2025 ballot.
This milestone initiative represents the first infrastructure millage proposal brought forward by the CCISD. If approved, the first year’s projected 1.15 millage would repay the bonds that would be issued to fund the construction, renovation, and significant expansion of facilities to better support growing demands in Career & Technical Education (CTE), Special Education, Early Childhood Education, and professional development spaces. The average millage projected over the life of the bonds is one mill per year.
“Our students and educators would benefit from spaces that reflect the quality and future-oriented vision of our educational programs,” said CCISD Superintendent Jim Rautiola. “Right now, many of our facilities date back to the 1950s and simply can’t accommodate the evolving educational needs of today or tomorrow. This bond proposal is about ensuring every learner in our community has access to the resources and environments necessary to succeed.”
Key components of the project would include:
● Expansion and enhancement of the Hecla Street Campus in Hancock, creating a regional hub for Career & Technical Education, Special Education, and professional development for use by students, educators and community.
● Transformation of the current CTE building in Downtown Hancock into a dedicated, modern Early Childhood Education Center, featuring tailored classrooms and secure indoor/outdoor play areas.
● Development of a new, strategically located facility in Baraga County, expanding critical educational access for students and families closer to home.
“This proposal reflects the hopes we all share for our kids and our region,” said Rautiola. “It’s not just about buildings - it’s about creating opportunities. We would be building spaces where students can discover their passions, where educators can collaborate and grow, and where families know their children are supported in every step of their learning journey. This would be a community investment in a brighter future.”
Construction and renovations would begin following voter approval and the completion of final engineering studies. The project is anticipated to take three to four years to complete. The CCISD is committed to involving local contractors to the greatest extent possible, investing in regional businesses and the local workforce.
“This is truly a community-driven initiative,” Rautiola added. “ We want this project not only to enhance educational outcomes but also to bolster local economic development. It would be an investment in our children’s futures, in our educators, and in our community as a whole.”
Detailed information, including architectural renderings, project specifics, and frequently asked questions, is available online at www.copperisd.org/bond.