In 1994 voters in Michigan approved Proposal A which reduced property taxes for most and changed school funding. In brief, under Proposal A school taxes collected locally no longer stay in the community, they are sent to Lansing and then divided up between all school districts in the state based on a per pupil allotment.
When this new funding method started, Dearborn would have received less money per student than what it was receiving under the old system. The state of Michigan allowed the Dearborn Public Schools to ask voters to pass a “Hold Harmless” millage that would make up the difference between the old and new system of funding schools, thus “Holding” the district “Harmless” from the new funding method. The state also required the school district to ask voters to renew this millage every 10 years.
Voters renewed the Hold Harmless millage in 2004 and this year the District is asking voters to decide on the Hold Harmless renewal.
When residents go to vote on Nov. 4 there will be two questions to the Hold Harmless Millage Renewal:
• 18 mills on business and commercial property, generating $27.8 million
• 6.17 mills on homeowners, generating $11.5 million
Combined the Hold Harmless Millage generates $39.3 million or 22 percent of the district’s total $178.7 million budget.
Clearly, a 22 percent reduction in the budget would force the district to make dramatic reductions across the spectrum of opportunities now offered to students. Services such as busing, programs such as art, music, and sports, co-curricular and extra-curricular activities and numerous elective classes would come under scrutiny and might need to be cut or drastically reduced.
The Hold Harmless renewal provides the district with the day-to-day funds needed for teachers, support staff, supplies, programs, and other services required to maintain a strong and stable school district.
Innovative and award winning programs, increased graduation rates, a wide array of services and resources to improve student achievement, and new opportunities for learning are all part of the positive momentum and success of the Dearborn Public Schools. The Hold Harmless renewal will allow the district to continue in this positive direction by providing the levels of funding needed to deliver quality instruction in all classrooms.
For more information or to schedule an informational presentation to your community group or organization please call the Communications Office at 827-3006 or go to the Hold Harmless website at http://holdharmless.dearbornschools.org.