Dexter School Board Stumps for Special Education Millage Renewal

The Dexter Community Schools Board of Education is supporting the Washtenaw Intermediate School District's proposed renewal of a .9850-mill tax for seven years to help pay for special education services for students in the 10 school districts in Washtenaw County.

The board announced its support at its regular meeting Monday.

Superintendent Mary Marshall told the board that if the millage is passed by voters on May 3, it would generate $790,300 for Dexter to add to its $5 million budget for special education services. The $790,000 would be pulled from the district's general education fund budget if the millage does not pass, Marshall said.

The millage was first approved by voters in September 2004 and expired in December 2010.

According to WISD Interim Superintendent Richard Leyshock, “The funds will be used to continue to reimburse local school districts for special education programs and to help maintain quality services for all students in Washtenaw County’s public schools.”

Leyshock said currently 7,000 students in Washtenaw County receive some special education service.

“We’re seeking the renewal because the demand for special education continues. And, without adequate special education millage, local districts will be required to take increasing dollar amounts from their general operating funds to provide special education programs that are required by state and federal law," Leyshock said.

Programs affected by special education funding include speech therapy, special-needs students, physical or occupational therapy, training funding, special education teachers and paraeducators, and materials funding.

"The millage supports the prevention of early learning failures ... and prepares students for real jobs, not relying on tax-funded social service programs," Marshall said.

Board Trustee Julie Schumaker said that if the millage does not pass, it would affect the budget, which is already facing an 8.5 percent cut because of proposed state revenue decreases.

"We've been making cutbacks for the past 10 years, and we're fortunate the cuts we've made haven't changed the programs (too much). But with cutbacks this sizable, we won't be able to make them without impacting every student," Schumaker said.

Board President Larry Cobler urged parents and school board members to continue to lobby the state Legislature and speak out against funding cuts to schools.