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Lowell Area Schools board authorizes two millage questions for August ballot
Summary
Lowell Area Schools approved a ballot resolution to place two millage measures on the Aug. 4 primary: a 10-year operating-millage authorization (authorize 21 mills; district expects to levy 18) estimated to yield about $5.22 million in 2027 if levied, and a six-year 1-mill sinking fund projected at about $1.52 million in 2027.
The Lowell Area Schools Board of Education on April 13 authorized ballot language asking voters to approve two tax measures in the Aug. 4 election: an operating millage authorization and a sinking fund.
District staff explained the first proposal would authorize up to 21 mills so the district can levy the state-allowed 18 mills on non-homestead property while keeping a three-mill authorization available to offset Headlee-driven rollbacks. The board was told the district estimates that, if 18 mills are levied in 2027, the operating millage would generate approximately $5,216,248. The board approved the resolution by voice vote.
Miss Hajj, a district administrator who answered follow-up questions, said the measure is intended to replace millage that expires in 2028 and to reduce the frequency the district must return to voters for reauthorization. "The reduction in our per-pupil revenue is about $66,000 this year," she said, adding that absent reauthorization the gap could grow to "about $112,000" next year.
The second proposal would create a sinking fund by authorizing a levy of up to 1 mill for six years (2027–2032). District staff said sinking-fund dollars historically have funded roof repairs, parking-lot work, building maintenance, security upgrades, technology infrastructure and, under state law, student-transportation vehicles and related maintenance. The district estimated the 1-mill levy would yield approximately $1,516,742 in 2027 if levied.
Officials emphasized the measures are intended to maintain current service levels and facility maintenance, not to increase taxpayers' current millage rates. Board members discussed the timing of the request — going to voters a year earlier than the existing operating authorization’s expiration — as a strategy to smooth budget timing given state rollbacks.
The board voted in favor of placing both questions on the August ballot. Absentee ballots were noted to start arriving around June 25; district staff said they plan community outreach ahead of that date.
