How Millage Funds are Being Used by Lowell Area Schools

In May, voters across Kent County approved a county-wide millage under the Strong Schools Strong Community campaign.  With just over 74,000 votes cast, the initiative passed by 5,803.  Fund collecting for the newly approved millage started this summer and is based on property taxes.  What is Lowell Area Schools (LAS) doing with revenue generated from the millage?

How Much Money and Where Does it Go
Kent ISD sends bi-weekly payments to the 20 public school districts in the county.  LAS receives $210 per student based on current enrollment.  According to Nate Fowler, Director of Curriculum for LAS, the district anticipates approximately $810,000 for the 2017-18 school year.  

What does the district plan on doing with this funding?  During the campaign a focus on three areas were presented to voters.  Income from the millage is going to support literacy, technology, and career and college readiness.  Fowler lists the following items for current use of funding.

• Two teachers have been hired to reduce class size in kindergarten and first grade.
• Two literacy coaches have been hired who will support elementary teachers with reading and writing instruction..  
• Chromebooks and iPads will be available in all buildings with added support to help teachers integrate technology into the classroom.
• High school science equipment will be updated to incorporate hands-on learning experiences.
• LAS will support career and college readiness opportunities and project based learning.

Additional projects, upgrades, and additional staff  will continue to further the three initiatives outlined in the Strong Schools Strong Communities campaign.  “These [millage] funds will help give our students a strong foundation in literacy and help prepare them for the requirements of Michigan’s new third grade reading law.” says Fowler.  This law states students should be reading at grade level or above by the end of third grade.  Fowler continues, “As our students progress through school, these funds will give students learning opportunities that will help prepare them with the skills employers are seeking in a dynamic 21st century economy.”

Voters in Kent County passed a millage aimed at enhancing the educational experience students receive in public schools.  Fowler wishes to thank voters saying, “Lowell Area Schools would like to express our thanks to the voters of our community for continuing to support public education in Kent County.”