Bloomingdale Public Schools extends its sincere thanks to the voters of the school district community for their support of the district’s Operating Millage Proposal on the August 4 ballot. The proposal passed by a vote of 657 yes to 622 no.
This approval allows the district to restore its non-homestead operating millage to the full 18 mills, which is the amount Michigan’s school funding formula expects school districts to collect locally in order to receive their full per-pupil foundation allowance. Because of the Headlee Amendment, the district’s authorized non-homestead operating millage had been rolled back below 18 mills, creating a projected loss of operating revenue for the district.
Operating millage revenue supports the district’s general fund and helps pay for day-to-day school operations, including staffing, classroom materials, transportation, utilities, student programs, and other regular operating expenses.
It is also important to reiterate that this operating millage does not apply to primary residences. Homeowners who own and live in their home as their primary residence do not pay this operating millage. The millage applies only to non-homestead property, such as business property, rental property, second homes, vacant land, and other property not exempted by law.
We recognize that any tax matter deserves careful consideration, and we are mindful of the financial pressures faced by families, businesses, property owners, and local communities. School districts do not take these requests lightly. However, Michigan’s school funding structure requires districts to seek voter approval to restore operating millage reduced by Headlee in order to receive the full funding amount assumed under the state’s foundation allowance formula.
On behalf of Bloomingdale Public Schools, thank you to everyone who took time to learn about the proposal, ask questions, share information, and participate in the election. We are grateful for the continued support of our schools and remain committed to using district resources responsibly in service of our students, staff, families, and community.