Ionia Sentinel-Standard
IONIA A proposal to restore Ionia Public Schools’ non-homestead operating millage to its original 18 mills failed in the Tuesday, May 4, special election according to unofficial election results.
The IPS non-homestead operating millage restoration proposal failed with 591 yes votes to 744 no votes, according to unofficial Ionia County election results meaning roughly 56 percent of voters opposed it.
IPS asked voters Tuesday to approve raising the operating millage rate levied on non-homestead property to its original 18 mills, IPS Superintendent Ron Wilson previously said.
The operating millage rate levied on non-homestead property was statutorily reduced by the Headlee Amendment a 1978 amendment to the Michigan Constitution requiring a millage reduction when annual growth on existing property is greater than the rate of inflation, according to Wilson. IPS was affected by Headlee during the 2020 tax year and the operating millage
Ron Wilson
Ionia Public Schools
What would you say if a youngster asked you to describe your responsibilities as a citizen and what you cherish as member of your community? You might say obeying laws, paying taxes, jury duty, serving as a witness, voting, serving in the military or engaging in community service are responsibilities of citizens. You might also add that you cherish the freedoms afforded by the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution and the people who have fought and died to protect the same. I imagine a precocious youngster might respond with a clarifying question, “So are you saying that being an involved and informed participant is a duty or responsibility of all citizens?”
Ron Wilson
Ionia Public Schools
Last Friday, April 16, I notified the Board of Education, staff and parents that Ionia Public Schools (IPS) would move to a fully virtual model of instruction starting Monday, April 19. The decision was based on the number of IPS students and staff who were quarantined due to close contact exposure to individuals who have tested positive for COVID-19.
On Monday, April 12, IPS had 90 students and nine staff members quarantined due to close contact, and 14 students and five staff tested positive for COVID-19. As of Friday, April 16, at 12:30 p.m., IPS had more than 230 students and 10 staff quarantined, with 25 students and seven staff members testing positive for COVID-19.
Ionia Public Schools proposal on May 4 ballot
Ionia Sentinel-Standard
IONIA Ionia Public Schools is asking voters to approve a non-homestead operating millage restoration in the Tuesday, May 4, election.
The Headlee Amendment to the Michigan Constitution requires a millage reduction when annual growth on existing property values exceeds the rate of inflation, Wilson said.
“This proposal would ensure we receive our full per-pupil funding for all of our students,” Barna said.
IPS was affected by Headlee in the 2020 tax year, Wilson said. It created a reduction of 0.2196 mills bringing operating millage to 17.7804 mills.
The state assumes each local school district will levy 18 mills on non-homestead property, with the remainder of the per pupil funding coming from the state School Aid Fund, Wilson said.
Ionia Public Schools to switch to virtual learning April 19-23 sentinel-standard.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from sentinel-standard.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.