Voters overwhelmingly support Tuesday special education millage

Vote results can be found at the Washtenaw County Clerk’s website

Voters in Washtenaw County have overwhelmingly supported a 7-year, 0.985 mill renewal for special education services.

The proposal was put on the ballot Tuesday by the Washtenaw Intermediate School district and covers all 10 of the local districts represented. The May 3 election saw 27,262 voters, nearly 77 percent of those casting ballots, voting yes on the measure, and 8,203 voters, or 23 percent, saying no, according to unofficial vote tallies reported by the Washtenaw County Clerk. Turnout was 13.47 percent.

The millage will bring in $14 million per year for the county and about $5.8 million for the Ann Arbor Public Schools that goes toward the district’s special education services.

Failure of the millage proposal would have caused the district to take the money from its General Fund in addition to the $15 million deficit the district faces going into the 2011-12 fiscal year which starts July 1.

Voters first approved the millage in September 2004 for 1 mill; the millage rate  has been reduced to less than the 1 mill due to the impact of the Headlee Tax Limitation Amendment. This renewal will run from 2011-17.

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Board to host roundtable session with legislators

A session about state school funding with The Ann Arbor Board of Education and area legislators is scheduled for Thursday, May 5 Friday, May 6  from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Pioneer High School cafeteria.

The sessions will include a history of AAPS budget, Gov. Rick Snyder’s budget implications, ideas for reform and public commentary. The event will be telecast and rebroadcast on CTN Education Channel 18.

Public comment time will be limited, so those wishing to speak are asked to sign up in advance by calling 734-994-2232.

The AAPS District News welcomes thoughtful comments, questions and feedback.

All comments will be screened and moderated.

In order for your comment to be approved:

  • You must use your full name
  • You must not use  profane or offensive language
  • Your comment must be on topic and relevant to the story

Please note: any comment that appears to be spam or attacks an individual will not be approved.