DETROIT — In the upcoming November 8 election, Wayne County is proposing a millage that would generate funds for public schools statewide. 

Michigan’s Constitution gives the state control over funding for public schools with the exception of an enhancement millage that can be passed at the county level for operating purposes. 

The state requires that any money generated from an enhancement millage be shared equally on a per-student basis among the local school districts within that county, with each district being given control of how the dollars would be used to support their students. 

The money will be generated in multiple ways: 

• Each local district within the county would choose how to best utilize the money for the benefit of its students. 

• Districts have identified priorities such as reducing class sizes, hiring quality teachers, repairing schools and improving technology. 

• Money could only be used on school programs, and every dollar, as with other district funds, would be subject to annual, independent audits to ensure transparency for taxpayers. 

The Regional Educational Service Agency will play an important role in this enhancement millage: 

• Wayne RESA is a regional educational service agency that provides a broad spectrum of services and support to all of Wayne County’s 33 school districts. 

• State law requires Wayne RESA to be the entity that receives the revenue from this enhancement millage and then distributes every penny to the local school districts on an equal, per-student basis. 

Reasons for passing the millage: 

• A recent study has confirmed that districts across Wayne County have been drastically underfunded by the state in recent years.

• Despite implementing significant cost cutting measures, districts are now struggling to provide many of the core educational programs students deserve.

• The majority of school boards throughout Wayne County voted to put this enhancement millage on the ballot this year to ensure that educational opportunities remain available to each and every student as they prepare for the jobs of the future.

The specifics of the Wayne County Enhancement Millage include some of the following: 

• The proposal on the ballot is for two mills to be levied for six years, beginning this year. 

• The proposal would generate approximately $385 annually per student for each district.

• The proposal would cost a homeowner with a home value of $100,000 only $8 per month.

• Wayne County regional school tax revenues are currently one of the lowest in the state.