Wayne County Educators Rally for School Enhancement Millage Renewal
In a united effort to bolster educational support across the county, five superintendents from Wayne County gathered online this past Tuesday to encourage voters to approve a vital renewal request for a school enhancement millage set for the ballot on November 5. This renewal, they say, is essential for nurturing students, supporting teachers, and assisting families within the region.
What is the Millage About?
Hosted by Daveda Colbert, superintendent of the Wayne Regional Educational Service Agency, the online roundtable featured local leaders discussing the significance of the countywide millage. If approved, this funding will provide crucial supplemental resources to all 33 local school districts and more than 90 eligible charter schools across Wayne County. Since its initial approval in 2016 and subsequent renewal in 2020, the millage has been a fundamental part of the education landscape here.
Aiding Our Schools
The leaders highlighted how this funding has allowed districts to enhance their educational offerings significantly. According to the superintendents, the millage funds have been used for hiring additional teachers, reducing class sizes, improving school security measures, and expanding services for special education, as well as increasing the number of social workers and counselors available to students.
Colbert noted that each school district is empowered to decide how best to utilize the resources they receive from the millage. The funding, distributed equally per student, results in approximately $360 per pupil. If voters renew the millage in November, the existing tax rate of 1.9812 mills will be upheld for six more years, potentially raising around $108 million by its final year in 2028. For homeowners, this means that a property valued at $100,000 (with a taxable value of $50,000) would require an investment of about $8 per month in property taxes.
Preparing Students for Future Success
Monica Merritt, superintendent of Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, passionately expressed how the millage provides invaluable resources for preparing students for success in high-demand careers, particularly in the skilled trades. “Our three high schools are proud to offer Career and Technical Education programs that equip students with a wide array of employment skills,” said Merritt, elaborating on courses available in automotives, robotics, technology, hospitality, and culinary arts.
Mark Greathead, superintendent of Woodhaven-Brownstown School District, added that the millage funding enables his district to offer quality educational opportunities, especially for students enrolled in special education. “With this funding, we have hired over 86 certified professionals and 28 qualified paraprofessionals,” he mentioned, highlighting the range of specialized services now available.
Focus on Mental Health and Safety
Andrea Oquist, the superintendent of Livonia Public Schools, emphasized the crucial need for mental health support by revealing that her district has doubled its number of mental health professionals since the millage’s inception. “Our students have various needs, and we are dedicated to addressing those needs to ensure every student feels safe and ready to learn,” Oquist stated. “This millage allows us to continue hiring essential staff like social workers and psychologists.”
Stiles Simmons, superintendent for Westwood Community Schools District, also touched on the safety enhancements made possible by the millage. “Funding from this millage has allowed us to renovate and maintain our buildings, making them safer for our students,” he shared, pointing out that secure vestibules have been installed in every school to enhance campus security.
Why Now?
While the current millage remains effective until 2028, Colbert explained the importance of voting for its renewal this fall. “Michigan law requires that proposals for millage be brought to the voters in even years during the August primaries or November general election,” said Colbert. “It’s crucial that we take action now because districts cannot afford to lose this necessary funding.”
Erik Edoff from the Michigan Education Association echoed this sentiment, asserting that renewing the millage will aid local districts in hiring qualified teachers dedicated to helping students succeed. “With smaller class sizes supported by the millage, schools can better cater to the individual educational and emotional needs of our students,” he concluded.
As the November ballot approaches, the message from these Wayne County educators is clear: renewing the school enhancement millage is a small investment that can lead to significant benefits for students, schools, and the entire community.
