Special Education Millage 2023

On May 2^nd voters residing in school districts served by Marquette-Alger RESA will vote on a 20-year Special Education Millage Proposal.

Special education services required by law fully support the education of our students with greatest needs.  These supports are funded through federal, state and local sources, but there is a shortfall of $4.8 million which results in local districts having no choice but to use general fund dollars to cover these shortages in the Special Education budget. This means educational opportunities and supports for students in the general population are impacted. 

If approved, this millage proposal will cost the average Marquette-Alger County homeowner just 42 cents per day (based on a home market value of $200,000).

• Marquette-Alger RESA has placed the proposal on the ballot on behalf of the 12 local school districts and one school academy that it serves.
• ALL tax dollars collected by this Special Education Millage Request will go to the local school districts served by Marquette-Alger RESA.
• Marquette-Alger RESA is the only educational entity in the region that can place this proposal on the ballot. This is to ensure all public school districts served by the RESA receive equitable funding support.

If approved, the special eduction millage will provide stable funding to support quality programming to students with the greatest needs, while also freeing up general fund dollars to be spent on priorities selected by each local school district, such as:

• Programming for all students
• School facilities used by the community
• Support for general education staff
• General operating expenses

Michigan law requires school districts to provide special education services to individuals with disabilities from birth through age 26 or upon graduation from high school. Students are eligible for services under one of 13 disability areas, including:

Special education services required by law fully support the education of our students with greatest needs.  These supports are funded through federal, state and local sources, but there is a shortfall which results in local districts having no choice but to use general fund dollars to cover these shortages. Local school districts in Marquette and Alger counties are underfunded by $4.8 million which significantly reduces the resources available for educational programs and services provided by general fund dollars that support programs for other students.

HOW & WHERE CAN YOU VOTE?

Option 1: By Absentee Ballot beginning March 23, 2023

Option 2: In-person at your regular polling station on Election Day; May 2, 2023 from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Find your polling station HERE

The 20-year Special Education Millage Proposal calls for a 1.5 mill tax increase. If approved by voters, most Marquette and Alger county households will pay just 42¢ per day (based on a home with a market value of $200,000) to support special education regionally.

If approved, the increase in special education funding will provide local school districts the ability to use their General Fund budget to support programs and services that benefit every public school student. Local public school districts may plan to spend their unrestricted general fund relief dollars on investments such as:

• Improved learning environments
• Mental health supports
• Safety & infrastructure updates
• Extracurricular activities
• Added classroom support