Wayne County School Leaders Urge Voters to Renew Regional Millage
Wayne, MI – In a unified call for action, five school superintendents from across Wayne County have encouraged voters to support a crucial millage renewal set for November 5. This renewal request is for the countywide school enhancement millage, which is vital for supporting local students, teachers, and families.
Daveda Colbert, superintendent of the Wayne Regional Educational Service Agency, hosted an online roundtable discussion with the four other superintendents to shed light on the significance of the millage proposal. This funding is aimed at benefiting all 33 local school districts and at least 90 charter schools across the county.
Background on the Millage
The regional enhancement millage was first approved by Wayne County voters in 2016 and successfully renewed in 2020. The funds raised from this initiative are intended to supplement what schools already get through state funding, along with some federal dollars and local millages. Colbert clarified that each district has the flexibility to decide how they will utilize the funds received from this millage.
Each school district receives around $360 per student from the millage, allowing them to make significant improvements. According to district leaders, this money has been fundamental in hiring additional teachers, lowering class sizes, enhancing school security, and expanding special education services, in addition to hiring more counselors and social workers.
Details of the Renewal
If voters approve the renewal in November, it will continue the current property tax rate of 1.9812 mills for another six years. The funding could generate approximately $108 million in the last year alone, which would be 2028. For homeowners, the renewal would mean around $8 per month for those with a taxable home value of $50,000 (for a home priced at $100,000).
Support from Superintendents
Monica Merritt, superintendent of Plymouth-Canton Community Schools, shared how the millage helps prepare students for high-demand careers in fields like skilled trades. She emphasized that the local high schools offer various Career and Technical Education programs, benefiting from the funds provided by the millage.
Mark Greathead, the superintendent for Woodhaven-Brownstown School District, echoed these sentiments, mentioning that the millage helped hire over 86 certified professionals and numerous paraprofessionals to support students who require special education services.
Andrea Oquist, superintendent of Livonia Public Schools, highlighted that her district has doubled the number of mental health professionals available to students since 2016. Oquist spoke about their commitment to addressing diverse student needs, ensuring a safe atmosphere conducive to learning.
Additionally, Stiles Simmons from Westwood Community Schools noted that the millage has assisted in improving school safety through enhancements like secure building entrances and facility renovations.
Why the Urgency for Renewal?
The current millage provides funding until the end of the 2027-2028 fiscal year. However, Colbert explained the necessity of placing the renewal on the November ballot, as Michigan law requires millage proposals to come to voters during the August primaries or the November general election.
“Districts cannot afford to lose this funding. We have to go out at the first opportunity. This is critical funding they cannot afford to not have,” Colbert stated emphatically.
Impact on Future Opportunities
Erik Edoff of the Michigan Education Association emphasized the importance of renewing this millage. He highlighted how it will aid local school districts in hiring highly qualified teachers, ultimately leading to smaller class sizes. Smaller classrooms allow for better attention to each student’s unique learning and emotional needs.
The superintendents’ collective message is clear: renewing this millage is a vital step towards ensuring competitive educational opportunities for all students in Wayne County. A united front shows the local leaders’ commitment to creating successful learning environments, helping students thrive for years to come.
