The MAISD is asking voters to approve a one mill property tax increase for 10 years to generate $4.3 million annually for technology and security enhancements across local school districts. The funds would be distributed on a per-student basis to provide each district an estimated $163.95 per student for items like computers, software, security cameras, and meeting legal technology requirements. Unlike bonds, the millage is interest-free and each district would determine independently how to spend the allocated money.

1. Technology & Security Enhancement Millage, February 25, 2014
Direct Per-Student Funding to Local School Districts
Why is the MAISD asking for a technology
and security enhancement millage?
Over the past year, local district public school
leaders and the Muskegon Area Intermediate School
District (MAISD) have been discussing ways to
adequately fund technology. Improved technology in
the hands of more students will help them become
more competitive and will prepare students to be
college and career ready. In addition, funds will be
used to purchase and maintain technology to secure
buildings. With current per-pupil funding even lower
than it was back in 2007, schools do not have
adequate funding for technology and security.
When will the millage appear on the ballot?
The MAISD is planning to place a technology and
security enhancement millage on the February 25,
2014, ballot.
What will voters be asked to approve?
Voters within the MAISD will be asked to support a
proposal to raise property taxes by one mill for ten
years. The owner of a home with a market value of
$82,000 would pay $41 more a year for ten years in
property taxes, while the public schools would
receive $4.3 million every year to cover expenses
related to technology and security.
How will the money be distributed?
While the funds will be collected through the
MAISD, by law every dollar will be distributed to
each local public school district based on student
enrollment.
How much money will the millage generate
per student?
The millage will generate an estimated $163.95 per
public school district student.
Doesn’t the MAISD already have a
“tech millage” in place?
The MAISD has never had a technology millage in
place to fund things like computers, smart boards,
software, support, infrastructure, and security at each
of the local school districts. No enhancement millage
exists within the MAISD. Currently the MAISD does
have a vocational millage that pays for career and
technical education programs attended by over 760
students at the Muskegon Area Career Tech Center.
Who will decide how the money raised from
an enhancement millage will be spent in
local schools?
Each individual school district will determine how
the funds raised for an enhancement millage will be
spent. Each district has a specific list of funding
needs for technology and security.
How will all public school students
benefit from a technology and security
millage?
All students will have greater access to technology
tools and resources that will prepare them for
tomorrow’s world of work, college and beyond.
How can funding for technology impact
student safety?
Schools can use technology and security enhancement
funds for things like interior and exterior security
cameras, computerized entry systems, alarm systems,
identification cards, enhanced communications systems, and a host of other related security items.
What legal requirements will be met through
a technology millage?
By law, schools are required to provide online
learning opportunities, online standardized testing
beginning in 2015, and many other technology
related programs and services. A technology millage
will provide the funding needed to meet these legal
requirements.
How is an enhancement millage different
than a bond issue?
Unlike a traditional school bond issue, an enhancement millage is interest free and can be used to fund
such things as infrastructure, support services,
training, and software.
Who can I call to get more information?
Contact your local district superintendent, or contact
MAISD Superintendent Dave Sipka by email
dsipka@muskegonisd.org or by phone at
231-767-7201.
To learn more visit:
www.technology4students.org
Updated November 5, 2013