Grand Haven, MI (WGHN) – There is a special election on May 6, 2025. OAISD (Ottawa Area Intermediate School District) Superintendent Dr. Mayer and Spring Lake Public Schools Superintendent Dennis Furton stopped by the WGHN studios to talk about the special education millage proposal.
Hear the interview below:
Why is the millage renewal being proposed now when the current millage doesn’t expire until 2026?
While the current millage does not expire until 2026, the portion of the proposal renewing the existing millage is being proposed now to ensure stable funding through proactive planning. The ballot language states that, if approved, the millage related to the renewal would begin in 2027, preventing any overlap where two millages would be assessed or taxed simultaneously for the same purpose. The renewed amount would be collected for 18 years.
Additionally, a portion of the proposal— 0.5000 mills—is a restoration of millage that has been reduced over time due to Headlee Amendment rollbacks and additional millage to address future rollbacks. If the proposal passes, this restored portion would begin being collected immediately in 2025.
If the renewal is not approved, it provides time to reevaluate budgets and explore potential future millage options.
What does a Special Education Millage fund?
A Special Education Millage is an operating millage that funds the daily operation of special education programs throughout the Ottawa Area ISD service region. This includes programs and services operated by local public school districts and academies, as well as those operated directly by the OAISD and include: Early On, Ottawa Area Center, Sheldon Pines School and Young Adult Services. Contact your local public school district to learn how the current Special Education Millage provides funding for their special education programs and services—and how the proposed millage would impact them.
What percentage of the millage goes to local districts vs./compared with OAISD?
Local public school districts and academies receive 72% of the special education millage funds through the distribution formula defined in our Special Education Plan.
The remaining 28% is included in OAISD’s special education budget which is allocated as follows
● OAC, SPS, YAS, and Early On instructional programs 63%
● ISD and local public school district programs administration and consultant support 33%
● Maintenance and Operations 3% For more information please see the OAISD Transparency Report.
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