Some school millage questions will be decided May 5, but the Martin School Board voted Monday to place a millage renewal question on the August primary election ballot.
Superintendent Samantha Ball told the board that the millage renewal was needed due to “Headlee erosion,” which refers to what happens when property values rise faster than the rate of inflation. The Headlee Amendment, passed statewide in 1978 in the state constitution requires that the millage increases be “rolled back” to the rate of inflation.
In August of 2021, voters approved an 18.5-mill operating millage for Martin Public Schools. State law caps the property tax charged to businesses, industries and second homes at 18 mills, but allows 0.5 mills over as a buffer against Headlee erosion.
Today, the school millage is at 18.117 mills. Without the renewal approval, the millage would drop below the 18-mill level, which would prevent the district from receiving full school funding from the state.
The Thrun Law Firm advised Martin Schools that it would be wise to seek a four-year millage renewal. Longer than four years might cause millage rates to drop below the 18-mill threshold. Shorter than four years may weary voters with frequent millage renewals.
Ball stated that other school districts in the area would also be putting millage renewal questions on the August ballot. It was noted that if the measure fails in August, the school can come back and ask again in the November general election.
Strategic plan finalized
The Martin School Board finalized its Strategic Plan. After surveys and stakeholder comments were examined, the district decided to keep the mission statement the same. However, the vision statement was adjusted to be clearer. The shortened version of the vision statement will be: “Belong – Grow – Thrive.”
Board President Teri Beilby and Trustee Jason Dykstra thanked the superintendent and all those who worked hard on the strategic plan.
Early Retirement Accepted
It was also announced at the Monday meeting that five teachers had accepted an early retirement package that the district had offered.
