Board hears Oakland Schools’ pitch for countywide 1.5‑mill regional enhancement millage
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Summary
Administration briefed the board on an Oakland Schools proposal to place a 1.5‑mill regional enhancement millage on the Aug. 4 ballot, a six‑year levy projected to raise per‑pupil operational funds (estimated at ~$7.81 per pupil initially and about $781 per student average over six years), and asked local boards to let county voters decide next month.
Administrators presented background and mechanics of a proposed Oakland County Regional Enhancement Millage that Oakland Schools intends to place on the Aug. 4 ballot. The proposed levy is a 1.5‑mill measure over six years; presenters provided an example that equates to about $150 per year on a home assessed at approximately $200,000 and described how collections would be distributed to local districts on a per‑pupil basis.
Mr. Mica explained that the millage would provide operational dollars (unlike bond funds) that local districts could use for salaries, programming, student wellness, safety and general fund stabilization. Citing county data, he said Oakland County serves more than 169,000 students, including roughly 56,000 economically disadvantaged students, 15,000 English learners and 22,000 students with disabilities. Preliminary polling by Epic MRA for Oakland Schools showed about 49% initial support among uninformed respondents and 62% support among respondents after receiving information about the measure.
The board discussed timing and local context (recent local city and bond millages) and trustees asked for additional time to hear community questions; administration said a board resolution to allow county placement would be considered in March so voters can decide countywide in August. Mr. Mica emphasized the resolution would not be a board endorsement of the millage but would permit the county to place the question on the ballot.