WISD Board Adopts Special Education Millage Renewal Resolution
On Thursday, June 13, 2024, the Washtenaw Intermediate School District (WISD) Board of Education voted unanimously to seek renewal of a special education millage on the Tuesday, November 5, 2024, ballot. The WISD Board shared that they received resolutions of support from all nine constituent school districts, as well as support from the Washtenaw Superintendents’ Association. The 2.3826 mill renewal would be for 12 years and would support special education services for young children and students ages birth through 26 in the nine school districts and 13 public school academies. If approved by voters in November, there would be no increase to a homeowner’s tax rate.
“Our community’s special education millage provides critical funding for mandatory special education services for children and students,” stated WISD Board President Diane Hockett. “A renewal will allow our schools to continue offering exceptional services and rich educational opportunities for children with special needs and their families.”
Over 6,000 students, or 1-in-7 students, from preschool through age 26 receive special education services in Washtenaw County. Nearly 900 additional children ages birth to 3 also receive special education services before entering preschool. State and federal law requires special education services for children from birth through age 26; however, state and federal funding currently provides 37% of the funds required for mandated services. Washtenaw County’s existing special education operating millage currently generates 61% of all special education funding.
WISD Superintendent Naomi Norman notes that every student benefits from the special education operating millage, not only special education students. “Millage funds are critical because they keep unrestricted general funds available for programs and services that benefit every public school student, such as advanced placement coursework, improved learning environments, mental health supports, extracurricular activities, school safety and more.”
“Each and every child deserves a high-quality education that helps them grow and thrive,” stated WISD Superintendent Naomi Norman. “This millage renewal impacts the lives of thousands of young children and students with disabilities in our community, and it shows that our community values each of them.”