The City of Southfield, Michigan will vote soon on a property tax millage renewal to supporting the City’s school district.
Supporters point out the enormous funding for the City’s schools. Detractors point out that there is no free lunch. These funds are removed from many families hit hard by Michigan’s economic downturn. Further, many question if the education being received is living up to the huge cost. The website greatschools.org ranks Southfield schools a 4 out of possible 10.
We will keep you posted as new develops.
SOUTHFIELD — Supporters of the Southfield Public School’s operating millage renewal took to the streets Wednesday afternoon with signs and megaphones, urging voters to cast ‘yes’ votes on the 17.6345-mill tax on the November ballot.
The crowd of more than 200 people — including the marching bands from Southfield and Southfield-Lathrup high schools as well as Levey Middle School — marched from Birney K-8 School to Southfield-Lathrup and were greeted along the way by car horns and friendly waves from those passing by.
Southfield resident Tamika Turner-Graydon, who is one of the co-chairs of the Challenge Committee that is leading the campaign seeking approval of the millage, said support for the millage is a must because the outlook is bleak without it.
“These are our children and this is our city and we want to provide a quality education here,” said the mother of four International Baccalaureate students in the district.
The six-year millage is expected to yearly generate approximately $50 million, or half of the district’s $100 million budget, and would take effect July 1, 2014. The money is used for day-to-day operating expenses and levied on both businesses and homestead properties.
Hometownlife.com: http://www.hometownlife.com/article/20130912/NEWS20/309120170/Southfield-rallies-school-millage-support
