COPESD Proposed Special Education Millage RENEWAL

On Tuesday, November 3, voters across our region will consider a proposed renewal of the COPESD special education millage. 

• If approved, this renewal would continue nearly $3 million in annual funding dedicated to mandated special education services and programs. 
• 100% of these dollars are distributed to local school districts in our region.

This proposal is not a new tax. 

• It would renew an existing millage that has supported special education programs and services in schools across our region for more than 25 years.

The millage is a key funding source for the special education services in schools throughout the region. 

• The millage helps reduce pressure on districts’ operational budgets. 

  • It provides dedicated local funding to help cover part of the cost of required special education programs and services.

• Without this funding, districts would need to cover more of these costs through their general operating budgets. 

  • General operating budgets also support staffing, classroom materials, transportation, maintenance, school operations, and other educational programs. 
    
    

Special education services are required by law and must be provided to eligible students.

• Public schools are legally required to provide special education services and supports for eligible students with disabilities. These services must be provided regardless of whether the millage is renewed.

• Because state and federal funding do not cover the full cost of special education, school districts rely on multiple funding sources to meet these legal obligations.
  
  

Every dollar generated by the millage remains local, supporting key services for students with disabilities. 

• All revenue from the millage is distributed to local school districts across the region, including:

  • Cheboygan Area Schools

  • Gaylord Community Schools

  • Inland Lakes Schools

  • Johannesburg-Lewiston Area Schools

  • Mackinaw City Public Schools

  • Onaway Area Community Schools

  • Posen Consolidated School District

  • Rogers City Area Schools

  • Vanderbilt Area School District

  • Wolverine Community School District
    
    

• Funds support eligible students and legally required services throughout the COPESD service area.

  • These services may include:

    • Specialized instructional support

    • Classroom and behavioral supports

    • Early intervention services

    • Specialized transportation

    • Equipment for students with disabilities

    • Transition programming and postsecondary supports

  • The funds cannot be used for expenses unrelated to special education.
    
    

The proposed renewal rate is 0.6231 mill.

• One mill equals $1 for every $1,000 of taxable property value.

• At the proposed renewal rate of 0.6231 mill, the estimated annual tax impact would be approximately 62 cents for every $1,000 of taxable property value.

• For example, a property with a taxable value of $100,000 would have an estimated annual tax impact of $62.31 per year. 

This proposal affects all students—beyond just special education students.

• Students with disabilities benefit directly through required services and supports.

• All students benefit when dedicated special education funding helps reduce pressure on the broader resources school districts use to serve their students and communities.

The goal is to provide clear, factual information to voters.

• We are working with school boards and district leaders across the region to share accurate, transparent information about the proposed millage renewal.

• Voters will decide on November 3 whether to continue this existing local funding for mandated special education services.

• More information is available at www.bit.ly/copesdmillage2026.