It was Round Two of community forums for the Wayland Union School District, and this time the community attendance was even more shabby than the first time.
Only five people showed up to a program Tuesday in Dorr intended to talk about progress on the $49.7 million bond project passed nearly a year ago and to explain the May 7 millage renewal request. Supt. Tim Reeves and board members Theresa Dobry, Jeff Koon and Pete Zondervan, and assistant superintendents Theresa Fulk and Leslie Wagner were on hand to take comments and field questions.
Wagner was asked about why the school district is asking for 18.387 mills when 18 mills is the figure for renewal. She replied that the extra third of a mill is intended to handle the rollback required by the Headlee Amendment. Which was passed statewide back in 1978.
Headlee insists that government units reduce the millage rate when the rate of inflation is exceeded. So when schools are required to roll back the 18.387-mill rate, the cutback won’t be as severe.
“It’s a renewal, there is no increase,” Wagner said. “And we’re asking for seven years instead of four so we don’t have to keep going after this so often.”
Reeves acknowledged the provisions of Headlee can be confusing.
“It’s a sophisticated and confusing system to collect taxes,” he said.
Reeves said he was undaunted by the poor turnouts for the forums, 13 last month and five Tuesday evening.
The remainder of the forum focused on progress on bond projects. The superintendents said there are hopes the roof and windows replacements will be ready for next fall. He added that the new pool, the centerpiece of the project is being designed by Tower Pinkster Architects.
“If you have thoughts and opinions, we want to hear them,” he told the audience.
WUS voters, please get out and vote against the purposed tax increase on May 7th.
Thanks!
Cheers!!
John,
This is not a tax increase. Please educate yourself or refrain from spreading misinformation.
A I,
I certainly won’t hold your lack of education against you however do your homework on this issue then please check in with me.
Please visit local business owners, rental property owners, farmers etc. and ask them if Headlee Amendment doesn’t pass if their taxes will stay the same, increase or decrease.
And….. if you don’t understand, the owners mentioned above will increase their pricing to cover the INCREASE in tax…….Ohhhhh I believe you just received the answer to your homework.
Your dismissed!
Cheers!!
There is a consequence to not supporting the non-homestead renewal. As Mr Reeves noted, the legislation is complicated. The effect is that if the renewal is not supported the state aid school foundation amount per student will decrease significantly. The current amount is about $9,600 per student. That would be reduced to about $8,000 per student. That decrease will impact school operations and the programs offered to district students. Know the consequences of a no vote!