Macomb County Voters Reject Special Education Enhancement Millage

It came down to only a few thousand votes, but the was ultimately rejected in Macomb County Tuesday night.

While the proposal was passed by less than 500 votes in Macomb Township, the "no" majorities posted by neighboring townships such as Shelby, Chesterfield and Clinton, contributed to the failure of the 1.2-mill property tax proposal in the county as a whole.

Had the proposal been passed, its proceeds would have funded special education programs in Macomb County's 21 school districts and the Macomb Intermediate School District through 2030.

that if the millage didn’t pass, the district would “have an increased burden to provide services to students currently served by MISD programs.”

Approximately 1,793 Chippewa Valley students, or 11 percent of the district, currently benefit from special education programs and services–a $15 million a year budget cost. While $9 million of the $15 million is funded by state and federal grants, the remaining $6 million must come from the district's general education fund. 

Without the aid of this millage, the district will have to continue funding many of its special education programs from its general education budget.

Support for Millage Maintained in Macomb Township

Although the millage failed at the county level, it passed in Macomb Township, with many voters maintaining their support for the proposal.

Here are a few comments supporters of the proposal made on the and Facebook page.

: To those who want to punish the districts for poor planning by taking away from children. There are better ways to solve these issues. Why use my child as your way of making a point. I guess it's more convenient to make a point using those who can't fight back. I think the school district has much to learn about fiscal management. I plan to challenge them, but not at the expense of our children.

Wendy Cummings Titran: We all need to vote YES! By the way, it is NOT just for special education, but for ALL kids. Read the details and decide on your own...but consider the source as well. About $100 or so for the year is nothing compared to what these kids have already lost. This minimal increase will help so much.

Andy Dobbie: Remember, special Ed is Federally mandated, so cuts to schools disproportionately effect general Ed classrooms. This proposal supports special Ed mandates so general funds can go towards other worthwhile district programs.

Dennis Surdu It means a tax increase under $100 per YEAR. Yea, it's a bank breaker. Go out to dinner 2X less per year, got it covered.