Saturday, October 22, 2016

Q&A: More about educational ballot initiatives on November ballot

Intro:
Periodically, Talking Taylor Schools will present informational posts on upcoming educational ballot questions in the November 8 election. Two questions relate directly to school funding for the Taylor School District.

Overview:
On November 8, Taylor School District voters will have an opportunity to consider two ballot initiatives that would directly impact all students in the district. Each will be on the Presidential Election ballot.

The first is the Wayne County RESA enhancement millage.  The enhancement millage, if approved, would levy 2 mills for six years, and would bring approximately $2.6 million per year to the Taylor School District. 

The second initiative is the Taylor School District School Improvement Bond. The district will ask voters to consider a school improvement bond with a rate of 0.96 mills. This rate was chosen specifically to match an expired city of Taylor millage levy to ensure that this school improvement bond, if approved, would have a net zero impact on residents' tax bills. Funds from this school bond, if approved, would generate approximately $1.19 million per year for the next five years. 

What is an "enhancement millage"?
Michigan Constitution gives the state control over funding for public school with the one exception of an enhancement millage that can be passed at the county level for operational purposes.

The state requires that any money generated from an enhancement millage be shared equally on a per-student basis among the local school districts within that county, with each district being given control of how the dollars would be used to support its students.

According to the Taylor Schools, if approved, funds generated from the countywide millage would specifically be targeted to support the purchase of new school buses, repair and upgrade school buildings and purchase instructional technology.

For more on the countywide question, click on www.resa.net/millage




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