District Directions with Dr. Milligan - July 2026
September 2, 2026
In case you missed the article in The Oxford Leader this week!
The Operating Millage Returns: What Has Changed for Nov. 3
On November 3, Oxford Community Schools voters will again consider the district’s non-homestead operating millage. This time, the request is for 18 mills.
We heard that the community wanted a more straightforward request.
Following the August election, we heard questions about the 21-mill proposal and why it included more than the 18 mills the district can collect in operating revenue. While the additional mills were intended to provide protection against future Headlee rollbacks, the Board listened and decided to return with a straightforward 18-mill request.
We heard that the district needs to live within its budget.
I agree, and we have a responsibility to use taxpayer dollars carefully and make thoughtful decisions about how they are spent.
Without the operating millage, Oxford is projected to have approximately $7 million less in annual operating revenue beginning in 2027-28. We will live within whatever budget we have, but a reduction of that size would require significant cuts affecting staffing, transportation, facilities, programs and student services.
Our approximately $110 million operating budget includes funding with different requirements for how it can be used. Money provided for one purpose often cannot be moved to another.
About 80% directly supports students and classrooms, including teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators, special education, academic programs and student support. The remaining 20% supports transportation, safety, technology, facilities and other district operations.
We heard that residents want to know how the millage money will be spent if the proposal passes.
The simplest answer is that it would help us continue the programs, services and operations we already provide.
The operating millage has been an established part of Michigan’s school funding system since 1994. Without it, Oxford would be the only traditional public school district in Michigan without this basic operating funding, leaving our students with significantly less than students elsewhere in the state.
Unlike a bond or sinking fund, this millage does not create a separate source of funding for new projects.
The best way to understand how the operating millage supports our schools is to look at how we are spending our operating revenue today. Our budgets, audits and detailed financial information are public and available for residents to review.
Visit oxfordschools.org/finance for more information and look for the Michigan transparency reporting icon in the upper-right corner of every district webpage.
We heard that residents want clear information before making a decision.
Our responsibility is to provide that information, answer questions and be transparent about our finances and the potential impact of the proposal.
Community members are invited to attend the Citizens School Finance Group meeting on September 16 from 4-5:30 p.m. To attend, please email info@oxfordschools.org.
What properties does the millage apply to?
The millage does not apply to primary residences. It is paid on non-homestead properties, including businesses, rental properties and second homes.
The current millage expires this December.
On November 3, the decision belongs to our community.
We hope every voter takes the time to understand the proposal, review the available financial information and make an informed decision about what it means for Oxford’s students and schools.