Millage-What the Heck is That?

You might feel bombarded by millage information by now, but in case you're not yet up to your eyeballs, here's my explanation.

WHAT IS IT?

The millage (rate of taxation expressed in mills per dollar) on the August 6 ballot is OPERATING money. It's what we pay to keep the doors open at the school. It's nothing new, nothing more than what the state requires all communities to pay.

WHO PAYS?

In Michigan, millage is NOT charged on your home property. That's what "non-homestead" means.

WHAT IF IT FAILS?

We won't get foundation money from the state. Our per-pupil funding will drop significantly. We probably won't have things like sports and other extra-curricular activities, might not have bussing, might have upper grades doing on-line and only elementary kids in (overcrowded) classrooms.

WHAT WOULD I LIKE YOU TO KNOW?

What you hear/see about the school board should have no bearing on your vote. Students need teachers, textbooks, and electricity, not matter how much shouting goes on at board meetings and how many foul-mouthed people slander others on Facebook. The November elections will determine the future of our board; the August 6th election will determine how well our kids are provided for.

Voting is the most important thing most of us do to keep our country going. Your vote says you care, and your INFORMED vote is an amazing contribution, so please, vote yes on the school millage renewal.

Comments

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