Wayne County Superintendents Unite for School Funding Renewal
In the heart of Wayne County, educators and community leaders are making a heartfelt call to action. Five superintendents from various school districts came together virtually on Tuesday to discuss an important issue that impacts students, teachers, and families: the upcoming renewal request for a countywide school enhancement millage. Scheduled for the ballot on November 5, this renewal is seen as vital for continuing essential educational support across the region.
A Collective Voice for Students
Hosted by Daveda Colbert, superintendent of the Wayne Regional Educational Service Agency (RESA), this online roundtable featured superintendents from four local districts. They passionately stressed how the renewal of this millage would provide crucial supplemental funding to all 33 local school districts and at least 90 eligible charter schools in Wayne County.
Initially approved by voters in 2016 and renewed in 2020, the enhancement millage has allowed districts to make significant improvements. Educators have utilized these funds to hire more teachers, reduce class sizes, enhance school security, and expand special education services. Each district independently decides how to allocate the funds, which are distributed equally per student—approximately $360 per pupil.
What Would Renewal Mean for Families?
If this millage is renewed, it would maintain the current rate of 1.9812 mills, continuing for another six years. By 2028, this renewal is projected to generate about $108 million. For homeowners, those with a house valued at $100,000 would pay around $8 per month if the millage passes, a small price to pay for such crucial educational support.
Hearing from Local Leaders
Superintendent Monica Merritt from Plymouth-Canton Community Schools shared insights on how the funds have been instrumental in preparing students for the future. “Our high schools now offer Career and Technical Education programs that open doors to good-paying, in-demand jobs,” she explained. Courses in areas like automotives, robotics, and culinary arts not only prepare students for successful careers but also enrich their learning experience.
Mark Greathead, superintendent for the Woodhaven-Brownstown School District, echoed similar sentiments, revealing that the millage has enabled his district to employ a vast team of specialists, including over 86 certified professionals focused on providing special education services.
Meeting Mental Health Needs
Mental health services have also seen a promising expansion. Andrea Oquist, the superintendent of Livonia Public Schools, highlighted how the district doubled its number of mental health professionals since 2016. “We are dedicated to addressing the varied needs of our students, ensuring they are safe, cared for, and ready to learn,” she affirmed, speaking to the broader impact of the enhancement millage.
Safety and Security Improvements
Stiles Simmons, superintendent for Westwood Community Schools, emphasized the role of the millage in enhancing school security. His district has used funding to modernize facilities and build secure entrances, which play a key role in keeping students safe.
The Importance of Timely Renewal
Although the current millage will provide funding through the 2027-2028 fiscal year, Colbert explained that it is essential to secure the renewal at the earliest opportunity. Michigan law requires millage proposals to go to voters during even-numbered years, ensuring that districts do not risk losing such critical funding.
Erik Edoff, senior executive director at the Michigan Education Association, affirmed the value of this renewal in hiring qualified teachers and keeping class sizes manageable. “This will allow for better individualized learning to meet the social and emotional needs of our students,” he stated.
This collective effort from the superintendents illustrates their commitment to ensuring that education in Wayne County remains strong and responsive to the needs of students. With the millage renewal on the horizon, the community is encouraged to consider how essential these funds are to the future of education in the area.
