Why is the MAISD asking for a technology and security enhancement millage? Over the past year, local district public school

leaders and the Muskegon Area Intermediate School

District (MAISD) have been discussing ways to

adequately fund technology. Improved technology in

the hands of more students will help them become

more competitive and will prepare students to be

college and career ready. In addition, funds will be

used to purchase and maintain technology to secure

buildings. With current per-pupil funding even lower

than it was back in 2007, schools do not have

adequate funding for technology and security.

When will the millage appear on the ballot? The MAISD is planning to place a technology and

security enhancement millage on the February 25,

2014, ballot.

What will voters be asked to approve? Voters within the MAISD will be asked to support a

proposal to raise property taxes by one mill for ten

years. The owner of a home with a market value of

$82,000 would pay $41 more a year for ten years in

property taxes, while the public schools would

receive $4.3 million every year to cover expenses

related to technology and security.

How will the money be distributed? While the funds will be collected through the

MAISD, by law every dollar will be distributed to

each local public school district based on student

enrollment.

How much money will the millage generate per student? The millage will generate an estimated $163.95 per

public school district student.

Doesn’t the MAISD already have a “tech millage” in place? The MAISD has never had a technology millage in

place to fund things like computers, smart boards,

software, support, infrastructure, and security at each

of the local school districts. No enhancement millage

exists within the MAISD. Currently the MAISD does

have a vocational millage that pays for career and

technical education programs attended by over 760

students at the Muskegon Area Career Tech Center.

Who will decide how the money raised from an enhancement millage will be spent in local schools? Each individual school district will determine how

the funds raised for an enhancement millage will be

spent. Each district has a specific list of funding

needs for technology and security.

How will all public school students benefit from a technology and security millage? All students will have greater access to technology

tools and resources that will prepare them for

tomorrow’s world of work, college and beyond.

How can funding for technology impact student safety? Schools can use technology and security enhancement

funds for things like interior and exterior security

cameras, computerized entry systems, alarm systems,

identification cards, enhanced communications sys-

tems, and a host of other related security items.

What legal requirements will be met through a technology millage? By law, schools are required to provide online

learning opportunities, online standardized testing

beginning in 2015, and many other technology

related programs and services. A technology millage

will provide the funding needed to meet these legal

requirements.

How is an enhancement millage different than a bond issue? Unlike a traditional school bond issue, an enhance-

ment millage is interest free and can be used to fund

such things as infrastructure, support services,

training, and software.

Who can I call to get more information? Contact your local district superintendent, or contact

MAISD Superintendent Dave Sipka by email

dsipka@muskegonisd.org or by phone at

231-767-7201.

To learn more visit:

www.technology4students.org

Updated November 5, 2013

Technology & Security Enhancement Millage, February 25, 2014

Direct Per-Student Funding to Local School Districts