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Ferndale superintendent outlines Oakland County enhancement millage: cost, per‑pupil estimate and election timeline
Summary
Superintendent Camille Hibler told Oak Park council that a proposed countywide 1.5‑mill increase for six years would provide roughly $781 per pupil and that countywide approval rules mean districts can receive funds even if some communities vote no; she reviewed uses and the August election schedule.
Superintendent Camille Hibler of Ferndale Schools presented information to the Oak Park City Council on March 4 about the proposed Oakland County enhancement millage, laying out projected per‑pupil funding, intended uses, and key dates for the August election.
“This evening, I am just giving information. This is not a request for endorsement,” Camille Hibler said, telling council members the proposal would be a 1.5‑mill increase for six years and, if approved, provide about $781 additional per pupil to local school districts. She said districts could use funds for recruiting and retaining staff, special education stability, maintaining student‑teacher ratios, student wellness, transportation, technology and security, and general programming at district discretion.
Hibler clarified the election timeline: absentee ballots become available June 25; early voting July 25–August 2; the deadline to request an absentee ballot is August 3 at 4 p.m.; and Election Day is August 4. She also explained a countywide distribution rule: if voters in districts representing 51% of Oakland County students approve the millage, all districts in the county get funds even if a particular community votes no.
Why it matters: School leaders said mounting costs and neighboring counties’ multiple millages are creating competitive pressure for staff and programs. Hibler framed the countywide millage as a way to provide local districts with stable operating dollars that bonds cannot deliver.
Q&A and local context: Council members asked whether the effort is countywide and who initiated it; Hibler said Oakland Schools led the effort and that research indicated an August election would be an appropriate window. She gave homeowners an example of estimated tax impact: for a taxable value of $100,000 (market value $200,000) the annual cost was roughly $150 under the proposed millage; for a $200,000 taxable value she estimated about $300 annually. Hibler pointed council members to oaklandenhancementmillage.com for a detailed FAQ and tax estimator.
No council action was requested at the March 4 meeting; presenters asked residents to be informed and to vote in August.
