Board votes 4–2 to let voters decide on Oakland County regional enhancement millage
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Summary
After debate about how much of the revenue would return to this district and whether a board vote looks like an endorsement, the Birmingham Public Schools Board voted 4–2 to place a resolution on record to allow the countywide regional enhancement millage to be put before voters. Trustees split on fiscal equity and voter fatigue concerns.
The Birmingham Public Schools Board of Education voted March 3 to allow the Oakland County regional enhancement millage to be placed on the ballot for voters to decide, after extended debate about distribution of proceeds and whether the board’s referral would be perceived as an endorsement.
President (speaker S1) asked for a motion and a trustee (speaker S2) moved to support the resolution to put the enhancement measure before voters; the motion was recorded by the president as moved by Trustee Grama and supported by Trustee Angeloumi. The board then discussed the measure’s mechanics, countywide precedents and timing for voter consideration.
Dr. Roberson (S6) described the measure as a countywide option that would allow voters to levy additional operational revenue and said similar measures exist in Macomb and Wayne counties. He explained the process by which Oakland Schools would aggregate district responses and forward results.
Trustee Zammit (S8) said she planned to vote no because she is concerned that “less than half of the funds that are raised from this community are coming back to this community,” and she worried a board vote could be seen as an implicit endorsement: “If I wasn't on this board … I would see that as an endorsement.”
Other trustees argued that referring the question to voters respects the democratic process and lets taxpayers decide. Trustees also raised concerns about potential voter fatigue from concurrent or future levies (bonds, sinking funds) and about the district’s ability to commit to uses before a formal budget process concludes.
President S1 read a prepared statement from absent Trustee Hochumer expressing support for placing the measure on the ballot and noting countywide millages can provide reliable revenue that helps districts stabilize operations.
After deliberation the board voted by raise of hands/voice; President S1 recorded the result: “Motion carries 4 to 2.” No ballot language or specific spending priorities were adopted at this meeting.
Next steps: the district will transmit its vote on whether to allow the measure on a countywide ballot; county and ISD processes will determine ballot language and final placement.
