Rochester Area Voters Approve Tax To Help Fund School District

ROCHESTER-ROCHESTER HILLS, MI — Rochester-Rochester Hills voters overwhelmingly approved a non-homestead tax to help fund the Rochester Community Schools district, according to unofficial vote totals from Oakland County.

The operating millage enables the district to receive its full per-pupil foundation allowance and restore millage lost as a result of the Headlee Amendment.

The tax ensures the district maintains its current full per-pupil revenue of $9,608. If the millage failed, the district's per-pupil funding would have fallen to $8,060, equating to a loss of roughly $24.5 million per year or 10.7 percent of current budgeted general fund revenues.

The district uses the money to pay for educational programs, salaries and benefits, safety and security, custodial and grounds, supplies, transportation, athletics and more.

"Great schools are the foundation of a great community. It’s truly in the best interest of our students, staff, families, business and community partners to make certain that the district continues to receive its full foundation allowance set by the state. This funding ensures resources are available to provide the highest quality public education possible," Interim Superintendent John Silveri said.

Voters approved the measure Tuesday night (75% yes, 25% no) in the Michigan's U.S. Presidential Primary.