A unanimous Dowagiac Board of Education decided Wednesday night in the middle school cafeteria to postpone the bond proposal from May 8 until August.

“We’re feeling we need to have more communication with our community — our teachers, our educators,” Supt. Mark Daniel said.

Documents prepared for anticipated action indicate the school board estimates necessary costs at $21,901,442, for which the district would borrow $21,851,850 and issue bonds.The remaining funds would be derived from investment of bond proceeds.

The bond proposal would “erect, furnish and equip a high school addition to and partially remodeling, refurnishing and equipping the middle school; remodeling, refurnishing and re-equipping Union High School for elementary school purposes and Patrick Hamilton Elementary; acquiring and installing educational technology equipment, together with related infrastructure; and developing and improving athletic facilities, fields, playgrounds and sites.”

Estimated millage levied for the bonds in 2012 is 2.7 mills for up to 30 years, with an estimated simple annual average to retire the debt of 2.59 mills.

However, voters May 8 will still be asked to renew 18 non-homestead operating millage worth $4,562,833 to allow the district to continue to receive its foundation per-pupil revenue allowance from the state.

Other business

•  The district bought a bus through a purchasing program for a Holland coach costing $100,010 that includes a camera system, luggage compartments for sports and band equipment and a three-year warranty.

• Marshall Bailly, Deanna Horrell and Leslie Sestric are all retiring from Dowagiac Middle School.

• A family medical leave April 23 was granted to Kincheloe and Sister Lakes music teacher Tara Fletcher. Bob Turner was hired as varsity baseball coach.