By Judy Reed
School districts in Kent County will get $19.9 million more this year in revenue after voters in Kent County approved a regional enhancement millage for the Kent Intermediate School District in a special election Tuesday, May 2.
According to Kent County’s Election magic report, 16.44 percent of the County’s registered voters turned out to vote. With all 230 precincts reporting, the proposal passed 39,996 yes to 34,193 no.
Most of the precincts in our area of northern Kent County voted against the proposal, with the exception of one precinct in Algoma Township, and two in Courtland Township.
The regional enhancement millage proposal of 0.9 mill ($0.90 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) will last 10 years and cost an average homeowner $6.70 per month. It is expected to bring in $19.9 million for the 20 districts and spread out on a per pupil basis. It will bring Cedar Springs Public Schools $723,000 the first year.
According to the school district, Cedar Springs would use the additional revenue for:
- Continued expansion of the Early Middle College program and access to other college and career opportunities.
- Multi-Tiered Systems of Support for Academics and Behavior.
- Professional Development for continued best practices in instruction and student support.
- Enhanced afterschool and summer school learning opportunities.
- Comprehensive Counseling and Mental Health Programs.
- Technology Infrastructure and software enhancements.
- Maintaining or lowering class sizes.
- Improved assessment tools.
- Plus, this proposal will expand career training and technical course offerings to give students real life, on-the-job training and a head start on their careers.
- It will also give students exposure to the world of work and partnerships with business that prepare them for college and careers.
By law, every penny generated from this proposal will be distributed to local school districts to maintain existing programs and improve services offered to students. All spending will go through an independent financial audit every year, with spending disclosed on a public website to ensure transparency and accountability.
