Brandon Twp.- Despite a dire economy, voters passed an operating millage renewal for the school district on Tuesday, providing a bright spot for students, teachers, and school district officials as per-pupil funding cuts loom.
The operating millage renewal of 17.9496 mills on businesses and secondary residences such as vacation homes, passed on Nov. 3 with 773 yes votes, or 61.54 percent, to 483 no votes, or 38.46 percent. The non-homestead tax renewal has been in effect since the mid-90s when Proposal A took effect and does not impact most residents. It does not change current business and secondary residence tax bills.
‘I’m ecstatic,? said Superintendent Lorrie McMahon. ‘The voters of the Brandon School District continue to support their students and in these economic times, it can’t be overstated how much this means. On behalf of all the students, I say thank you to all of the voters. This will help us stay solvent through these tough times.?
McMahon is currently anticipating a ‘very sure? $165 per-pupil funding reduction for the 2009-2010 school year and is waiting to hear whether there will be another $127 per-pupil loss on top of that.
‘With the first cut and the voters supporting the millage, we’ll be OK? not great, but OK,? she said. ‘With the $127 loss, we’re not sure.?
The school board is currently dissecting the budget looking for possible cuts that won’t negatively impact students. The school board will soon include Rob Privette, who was elected on Tuesday as a board member and the sole candidate with 969 votes (96.80 percent). There were 32 write-in votes, or 3.20 percent.
Privette, 48, is a nine-year resident of the district and an engineer at Energy Conversion Devices in Rochester Hills. The Purdue University graduate has a special interest in the sciences. He and his wife of 26 years, Cathy, have two children? Sarah, a 2009 BHS graduate and Franklin, 16, a junior at BHS.
Privette will join the board Jan. 1 for a 4-year term, replacing D’Anna Keeble.
‘I would like to thank everyone who took the time to go to the polls yesterday,? Privette said. ‘I am happy to have been voted onto the board of the Brandon School District and am also thankful to our community for approving renewal of the school bond. I look forward to working as a member the board together with the administration to help the Brandon School District continue to be as good as it can be.?