A ballot proposal for an operating millage at Sturgis Public Schools was rejected by voters Tuesday in Michigan’s primary election.
The measure failed, 54% to 46%.
The proposal would have allowed the school district to levy the statutory rate, not to exceed 18 mills, on all property, with exception of principal residence and other property exempted by law. The rate is required to maintain per-pupil foundation allowance.
The levy applied only to owners of businesses and secondary homes.
Following the result, superintendent Art Ebert released a statement.
“Sturgis values education and has for years,” Ebert said. “What I have learned over time is that moments like these provide us with a great opportunity to show resiliency and grow as a team. Our plan is to do just that. We will use these results to learn and become an even stronger school system.”
The proposal requested 3 mills, or $3 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation, for a period of 11 years, 2024 to 2034, to provide funding for operating purposes. With approval, revenue the school district would have collected in 2024 was estimated at $61,800.