The conversation surrounding the future of Wayne County’s schools intensified as school boards across the region finalized their decision. A majority voted to place the renewal of the Wayne County Regional Enhancement Millage on the November 5, 2024 ballot. This decision holds significance for thousands of students, as the renewal would provide the critical resources needed to help students prepare for in-demand careers.
The Wayne County Regional Enhancement Millage, first passed in 2016 and renewed in 2022, supplies supplemental funding to all 33 school districts and over 90 eligible public school academies in Wayne County. If voters approve the renewal, the millage will maintain a rate of 1.9812 mills levied over six years. This funding supports equitable resources for all students and expands career and technical programs that focus on preparing students for the jobs of the future.
Paul Panter, President of the Gibraltar School District School Board, emphasized the importance of this funding. “The Wayne County Regional Enhancement Millage allows us to offer vocational training and apprenticeship programs to help our students prepare for college and careers, including those in the skilled trades,” said Panter. “As a Tool and Die Maker, I believe investing in hands-on, real-world learning opportunities helps our students work toward steady, rewarding careers right here in Southeast Michigan.”
The impact of this funding is already evident in schools. South Redford School District stands out for its investment in career and technical education. The district opened its $8.5 million Career Technical Education Innovation Center, which is dedicated to preparing students for high-demand careers. These programs include opportunities in both skilled trades and fields that do not require a college degree.
“It’s wonderful to bring back the trades for our students,” said Shirley Tolliver, South Redford School District Board President. This progress is possible because of the support from Wayne County taxpayers. Tolliver’s comments reflect a broader belief that preparing students for their futures requires sustained investment in both education and the local workforce.
The programs supported by the millage are diverse. Superintendent Jason Bobrovetski highlighted several courses made possible through the funding, including hospitality tourism, welding and fabrication, automotive, construction building trades, and health occupations. These programs equip students with practical skills for in-demand careers. “Staffing career-technical education courses is possible thanks to the ongoing dollars received from the Wayne County Regional Enhancement Millage,” Bobrovetski said.
In districts like Harper Woods, the focus is similar. Superintendent Steven McGhee sees the millage as a way to prepare students for the workforce. “At Harper Woods School District, we educate our students today in preparation for the jobs of tomorrow,” he said. The district has developed new career-technical programs, such as construction trades, culinary arts, and cybersecurity. These programs allow students to earn certifications before they graduate.
The Wayne County Regional Enhancement Millage doesn’t just benefit vocational education. It also helps local school districts attract high-quality teachers, reduce class sizes, and provide tools proven to improve learning outcomes. This funding ensures every district has the resources to meet the needs of its students.
Wayne RESA Superintendent Dr. Daveda Colbert stressed the importance of equitable access to these resources. “I see every day how important it is for our students to have access to safe classrooms with top-level tools,” she said. The millage makes it possible for students across the county to succeed. Dr. Colbert believes that this funding is crucial to maintaining the improvements made since 2016. She highlighted the necessity of ensuring every student, regardless of their school or district, receives the support they need.
The millage revenue goes directly to Wayne County school districts and eligible public school academies. These funds are distributed on a per-student basis, ensuring all students benefit equally. This structure ensures transparency and accountability, with strict monitoring in place to guarantee that the money produces results.
If voters approve the renewal, the millage is expected to generate approximately $360 per student. These funds will support classrooms, special education services, and school safety efforts. The money will also help prepare students for future careers by continuing to invest in career-technical programs that address the needs of a changing economy.
As November 5 approaches, Wayne County voters will decide whether to continue funding these critical programs. The renewal of the Wayne County Regional Enhancement Millage represents an opportunity to ensure that all students in the county have the resources they need to succeed. From the skilled trades to cybersecurity, these programs provide students with the tools to thrive in their chosen careers.
One must wonder, who would allow the fate of our youth’s future to go astray? With so much at stake—their education, their opportunities, their chance to thrive in a rapidly changing world—how could we risk taking away the very resources that help them succeed? The decision to renew the Wayne County Regional Enhancement Millage isn’t just about funding; it’s about safeguarding the future of our children and ensuring they have the tools to build the careers and lives they deserve.
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