In the midst of another heated election season, it can be hard to focus on anything beyond the national headlines. The constant stream of news and political noise often feels overwhelming, and it’s tempting to step back from it all. However, while the national spotlight is bright, we want to remind you that important local decisions—ones that will directly impact your community and schools—are also on the ballot this November.
Among those local issues is the renewal and restoration of the Livingston County Special Education Millage. It may not grab headlines, but it’s an important vote that affects not just students with special needs, but the entire school system. The millage funds services such as paraeducators, assistive technology, and behavioral support, which ensures students with special needs can access their education.
These programs are required by law but funding provided by the state and federal government does not fully cover the costs. This leaves local school districts to bridge the gap. Without this millage, schools would need to divert money from their general operating budgets to cover the shortfall in special education funding. That means fewer resources for all students. Each of our districts would determine how to best spend the general budget to cover mandated costs.
Historically, the Special Education Millage has been an element of our school system’s funding structure. Voters in Livingston County originally approved this millage in 1972, 1974 and 1988. In 2015 voters approved a restoration of the millage rate that will expire in 2025. The proposal on this November’s ballot seeks to renew the existing rate and restore the previous reductions due to the Headlee Amendment rollback.
It is also important to understand what this funding would cost the community. For a homeowner with a taxable value of $200,000, the millage would add a cost of about 11 cents per day to restore previously reduced millage rates. It would also renew the existing rate of about 54 cents per day. These funds would be distributed to our districts and public school academies.
As Election Day approaches on Nov. 5, we encourage all voters to stay informed about the issues on the ballot and how they impact our community. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the national political landscape. But the truth is, local elections are where your vote has the most immediate and tangible impact. The Special Education Millage directly affects the education and the availability of resources for all students in Livingston County.
By voting on Novv. 5, you’re shaping the future of our community. You’re helping decide what kind of resources our schools will have, what kind of opportunities will be available for students. These decisions are made at the local level, and they have real, tangible outcomes for your children and your community.
If you haven’t yet registered to vote, you can still do so in person at your local clerk’s office, even on Election Day. If you’ve already received an absentee ballot and haven’t mailed it yet, remember that it must be submitted in person by 8 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5, to be counted. You can also check your polling location through the Michigan Voter Information Center at www.michigan.gov/vote.
Thank you for staying informed and engaged in your community’s future.
Sincerely,
Dr. Michael Hubert, superintendent, Livingston Educational Service Agency
Chuck Hughes, superintendent, Hartland Consolidated Schools
Erin MacGregor, superintendent, Howell Public Schools
Matthew Outlaw, superintendent, Brighton Area Schools
Matt Stuard, superintendent, Fowlerville Community Schools
Rick Todd, superintendent, Pinckney Community Schools
