School Election Information

This proposal will replace, restore and extend the authority, last approved by the electors in 2014 and which expires with the 2024 levy, of the School District to levy the statutory limit of 18 mills on all property, except principal residences and other property exempted by law and allow the School District to continue to levy the statutory limit of 18 mills in the event of future Headlee rollbacks of up to 3 mills.  The authorization will allow the School District to continue to receive revenues at the full per pupil foundation allowance permitted by the State.  

As a replacement of existing authority, shall the limitation on the total amount of taxes which may be assessed against all property, except principal residences and other property exempted by law, situated within the Lake Orion Community Schools, County of Oakland, State of Michigan, be increased, in the amount of 21 mills with 18 mills being the maximum allowable levy ($18.00 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation), for a period of ten (10) years, 2024 to 2033? This operating millage if approved and levied, would provide estimated revenues to the School District of $10,607,000 during the 2024 calendar year, to be used for general operating purposes.

This proposal  will replace and extend the authority, last approved by the electors in 2016 and which expires with the 2025 levy, of the School District to levy a building and site sinking fund millage. This proposal allows the use of proceeds of the millage for all purposes previously permitted by law as well as newly authorized security improvements, the acquisition or upgrading of technology and the acquisition of student transportation vehicles, trucks and vans. Pursuant to State law, the expenditure of the building and site sinking fund millage proceeds must be audited, and the proceeds cannot be used for teacher, administrator or employee salaries, maintenance or other operating expenses.

As a replacement of existing authority, shall the Lake Orion Community Schools, County of Oakland, State of Michigan, be authorized to levy 1.8862 mills ($1.8862 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation), for a period of ten (10) years, being the years 2024 to 2033, inclusive, to create a building and site sinking fund to be used for the construction or repair of school buildings, school security improvements, the acquisition or upgrading of technology, the acquisition of student transportation vehicles, trucks and vans and parts, supplies and equipment used for the maintenance of these vehicles and for any other purposes permitted by law? This millage if approved and levied would provide estimated revenues to the School District of approximately $4,997,250 during the 2024 calendar year.

The election will be held on the presidential primary day in February or March of 2024. The polls will be open from 7 a.m. until 8 p.m. Absentee ballots will be available six weeks prior to the election and can be cast through Election Day.

A 10-year, non-homestead replacement millage proposal and a 10-year sinking fund replacement millage proposal. 

The non-homestead replacement millage supports the school district’s general operating budget.This budget covers everything necessary to provide educational programs and services in Lake Orion Community Schools. This millage does not affect taxes on primary residences (the home in which a homeowner lives); it only applies to businesses, second homes, vacant land, and rental property. All school districts in Michigan must levy 18 mills on non-homestead property to receive their full share of State Aid.

In all Michigan school districts, the 18 mill non-homestead levy is subject to rollbacks per the Headlee Amendment to the Michigan Constitution. While school districts cannot levy more than 18 mills on non-homestead property, Lake Orion Community Schools is requesting approval of a 21-mill non-homestead levy to protect against future rollbacks if and when they should happen.

The non-homestead millage is projected to generate $10,607,000 annually. Revenue from the non-homestead millage supports the school district’s general operating budget. This budget covers everything necessary to provide educational programs and services in Lake Orion Community Schools.

All Michigan school districts must ask voters for permission to renew and restore the non-homestead property tax. If school districts don't follow this procedure established by the Michigan Legislature, they will not receive their full share of State Aid.

While Michigan law limits non-homestead levies to 18 mills, the three-mill cushion will protectLake Orion Community Schools only if and when future rollbacks in the 18 mill levy occur.

A sinking fund is a pay-as-you-go method of funding upgrades and repairs to schools and school facilities. Sinking funds can be used for the purchase of school property sites, the construction or repair of school buildings, school security improvements, the purchase of student transportation vehicles and trucks, and vans used to carry parts and equipment to maintain vehicles, and for the acquisition or upgrading of technology.

Sinking funds cannot be used for operating expenses, salaries, employee benefits, or routine building maintenance. In accordance with State law, projects paid for through a sinking fund must be audited annually and reviewed by the Michigan Department of Treasury.

The sinking fund is projected to generate approximately $4,997,250 annually. Sinking fund revenue will be used to complete projects not included in the 2018 bond. 

To see a complete list of previous sinking fund millage projects, visit lakeorionschools.org/district/sinking-fund.

If the sinking fund is not approved by residents, facility repairs and updates will have to be postponed or, if necessary, paid for through the school district’s operational budget. Taking money from the operating budget would reduce the revenue that is used to support the educational program and operate the school district. 

About 1/3 of the state's public school districts currently have a sinking fund in place to address their facility needs, including 12 of 28 districts in Oakland County.

Each year, Lake Orion Community Schools completes a facility review process to identify short-and long-term facility needs. This review process will identify projects to be completed during the 10-year life of the sinking fund. 

Revenue from Lake Orion’s sinking fund will be used to enhance 2018 bond proposal projects and complete projects that were not included in the bond proposal. When the school district started the bond proposal project in 2018, $300 million in needs were identified, and the community approved a bond for $160 million to update, upgrade, and enhance our district. The sinking fund will provide revenue to complete projects that were not included in the 2018 bond.

Yes. Voters who support the Lake Orion Community Schools’ non-homestead replacement millage and sinking fund replacement millage should vote YES; voters who oppose the non-homestead replacement millage and sinking fund replacement millage should vote NO. 

There are numerous benefits for residents without school-aged children. School District facilities and sites are regularly used by community members who do not have school-age children.

Lake Orion Community Schools takes pride in its role as an important community resource and partner. The value and vitality of our community depend on the quality and marketability of ourschools. Research shows that communities with great schools help to maintain local property values. It is in our community’s best interests to protect its investments and to attract families and businesses to our area.