Board hears Invest in MI Kids ballot proposal; trustees ask for clearer language on beneficiaries
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Summary
The Board discussed a sample resolution from the Invest in MI Kids campaign proposing a 5% surtax on high incomes to fund CTE, smaller classes and educator recruitment; trustees asked whether funds would include charter schools and sought sponsor information, and the chair said revised language will be returned at the next meeting for a vote.
Board members reviewed a sample resolution brought to the packet by the MI Invest in MI Kids group proposing a state constitutional amendment that would impose a 5% surcharge on annual taxable income above $1,000,000 for joint filers and $500,000 for single filers to raise revenue for career and technical education, reduced class sizes and educator recruitment.
The chair explained the measure's main provisions and told trustees the group had asked districts to consider local endorsements ahead of placing the measure on the ballot. Several trustees raised questions about the draft language, particularly whether the proposal would direct funds only to traditional public schools or also to charter schools and other entities.
'It kind of hints at public schools across the state, but I think it needs to be more specific,' one trustee said, urging sharper language to prevent broad interpretations of 'career and technical education.
Another trustee asked who sponsored the resolution and said the packet lacked identifying information for the campaign. The chair said she would research sponsorship and return with clarified language for the board's next meeting, where trustees will consider a vote.
The board did not take an endorsement vote on Nov. 10; the matter was scheduled for further review and likely formal consideration at the next regular meeting.