Dear Oxford Community Schools Families,

Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote in yesterday’s election. While the results were not what we had hoped for, we are grateful for the engagement and care our community shows for our schools and students.

As a district, we will take time to carefully review feedback, evaluate our next steps, and continue to keep families informed about our plans. Our commitment to providing high-quality educational experiences remains strong, though the election results will require us to adjust some additional priorities moving forward.

We encourage families to stay informed and engaged as we review next steps and plan for the future. Information about upcoming opportunities to provide input will be shared on our website and through district communications. We appreciate your continued partnership and commitment to Oxford Community Schools.

With gratitude,
Dr. Tonya Milligan
Superintendent


6 months ago, Oxford Community Schools
This week is National School Psychology Week, and the theme “Finding Your Path” perfectly reflects the vital work our school psychologists do each day. They guide and advocate for students, families, and staff, helping set meaningful goals and discover the pathways to achieve them. Through their support of academic success, mental health, and collaboration across our community, our school psychologists help every individual find their unique path forward.

Thank you to our school psychologists for your unwavering commitment to helping students reach their full potential. We are honored to work alongside you.

Adam Rainey
Melissa Kree
Faryn Scarlett
Alison Gilreath
Michelle Showers
Amy Wright
Scott Nolan

#WorldclassWildcats #OCSWildcats
6 months ago, Oxford Community Schools
 National School Psychology Week. Finding Your Path.

This evening’s board of education meeting will be live-streamed courtesy of OCTV and can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/@OCTVMichigan. For those attending the meeting in person, the meeting location is at Oxford Elementary School. This regular board meeting will begin at 6:30 p.m.

7 months ago, Oxford Community Schools
Board Meeting Graphic
Today is our Drive-A-Bus Event! 🚌

Join us from 9 AM to 12 PM in the Oxford Middle School main lot (1420 Lakeville Rd.) for a chance to get behind the wheel and see what it’s like to be part of our amazing transportation team!

Want to join the team but don’t want to drive? No problem! We’re also interviewing for Bus Monitor positions on site.

Also, during the event, stop by the Booster’s trailer and grab some OCS merchandise! We hope to see you there!
7 months ago, Oxford Community Schools
School bus with boosters shop set up next to it
School bus with boosters shop set up next to it

Tomorrow is Election Day! Make your voice heard and vote on the two Oxford Community Schools millages. Please encourage your Oxford friends and family to vote too.

If you have questions about what’s on the ballot, Check Out This Short Video.

More information including an FAQ section is available at http://oxfordschools.org/millage.

These elections are typically very close which means it's critical that all of our families and staff take the time to vote. Every vote counts!

7 months ago, Oxford Community Schools
Bonds are large loans, often hundreds of millions of dollars, used for major construction projects like new schools or additions.

A Sinking Fund is a smaller pay-as-you-go millage that supports ongoing maintenance, repairs, safety upgrades, and technology improvements. It is not used for salaries or daily operations.

Learn more at oxfordschools.org/millage

🗳️ Vote November 4!
7 months ago, Oxford Community Schools
Sinking Fund vs. Bond: Bonds are large loans for new construction. The Sinking Fund is smaller and focuses on keeping busses, technology, and buildings safe and maintained.

Dear Oxford Community Schools Families,

We understand that some families may have concerns about food insecurity. For additional support if needed, we have compiled a list of local food assistance resources. You can access the full list on our website here: Food Assistance Resources.

We also want to remind families that every student is encouraged to eat a free breakfast and lunch at school each day to ensure they have access to nutritious meals.

If your family is in need and unable to access food, please reach out to a Family School Liaison (FSL) or any school staff member. We are here to help connect you with the right resources.

Sincerely,
Oxford Community Schools

7 months ago, Oxford Community Schools
We had an incredible time at the second annual Parent Education Fair this past weekend! The turnout was fantastic, and we’re so thankful to the OHS Jazz Band and all of our speakers for creating such a special experience for our families.

#WorldClassWildcat #OCSWildcats
7 months ago, Oxford Community Schools
Screenshot 2025-11-03 at 1
Jazz Band plays
Keynote speaker, Judy, talking to a crowd of parents
Breakout session at the Parent Education Fair
PB&J Framework : A relational ethic for neuro-affirming design
Oxford Community Schools’ facilities are aging, with our elementary schools averaging 76 years old. Older buildings require ongoing maintenance, repairs, and safety upgrades to provide safe, effective learning environments.

The Sinking Fund is specifically designed to address these needs, funding building repairs, technology updates, transportation vehicles, and security improvements. This millage ensures our facilities remain safe, modern, and supportive for students while protecting classroom resources.

Learn more at oxfordschools.org/millage

🗳️ Vote November 4!
7 months ago, Oxford Community Schools
School buildings require ongoing maintenance. The Sinking Fund will support regular repairs, upgrades, and safety improvements.
Oxford Community Schools’ facilities are aging, with our elementary schools averaging 76 years old. Older buildings require ongoing maintenance, repairs, and safety upgrades to provide safe, effective learning environments.

The Sinking Fund is specifically designed to address these needs, funding building repairs, technology updates, transportation vehicles, and security improvements. This millage ensures our facilities remain safe, modern, and supportive for students while protecting classroom resources.

Learn more at oxfordschools.org/millage

🗳️ Vote November 4!
7 months ago, Oxford Community Schools
School buildings require ongoing maintenance. The Sinking Fund will support regular repairs, upgrades, and safety improvements.
🥁6️⃣7️⃣🥁 When you can’t stop the parade, grab a drum!

We’re still not sure about this whole 6-7 craze but some of our teachers had fun with it today! Oxford Elementary even had a group take it next level with their own creative twist—“Sick 7”! Such a fun day! 🎃

#WorldclassWildcats #OCSWildcats
7 months ago, Oxford Community Schools
Teacher with 67 scoreboard costume
Teachers with 67 Uno card costumes
Teacher in costume with 7 shirt and tissues for "Sick 7"
Teachers with 67 balloons
Teachers with 67 shirts
Teachers with 67 jerseys
Teacher with 67

Oxford Community Schools is asking voters to consider a non-homestead operating millage that will appear as 21 mills on the ballot. You might notice that number and wonder why. Here’s the key point: the most the district can ever collect is 18 mills (as previously approved by voters). The higher ballot number simply ensures the district is protected from reductions caused by what's called "The Headlee Rollback" in future years. This is a standard practice that keeps the district's annual funding more stable.

This video gives a high-level overview of this funding rollback - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=skSUorBCkVM&t=1s.

Learn more at oxfordschools.org/millage

🗳️ Vote November 4!

7 months ago, Oxford Community Schools
decorative
Our staff crushed it today! 🎃 So many awesome costumes and creative ideas!

#WorldclassWildcats #OCSWildcats
7 months ago, Oxford Community Schools
Teachers in Halloween Costume
Teachers in Halloween Costume
Teachers in Halloween Costume
Teachers in Halloween Costume
Teachers in Halloween Costume
Teachers in Halloween Costume
Teachers in Halloween Costume
Teachers in Halloween Costume
Teachers in Halloween Costume
Teachers in Halloween Costume
Today was full of fun and smiles! 🎃 Our Wildcats showed off amazing costumes and had a great time celebrating.

Enjoy trick-or-treating tonight! 💙💛

#WorldclassWildcats #OCSWildcats
7 months ago, Oxford Community Schools
Students in Halloween Costumes
Students in Halloween Costumes
Students in Halloween Costumes
Students in Halloween Costumes
Students in Halloween Costumes
Students in Halloween Costumes
Students in Halloween Costumes
Students in Halloween Costumes
Students in Halloween Costumes
Students in Halloween Costumes
Oxford currently collects less than 18 mills, which leaves classroom funding below the state’s minimum per-student level. Approving the Non-Homestead Operating Millage will restore full funding for classrooms, will not increase taxes on primary homes, and is not extra funding.

Learn more at oxfordschools.org/millage

🗳️ Vote November 4!
7 months ago, Oxford Community Schools
Approval of the Non-Homestead Operating Millage keeps Oxford at the state's minimum funding level and does not raise taxes for homeowners on their primary residence.

Halloween spirit is in full swing at OEIC! 🎃

This week’s theme days were a blast! Everyone dressed up as Scarecrows, Monsters, Pumpkins, and Animals. Our staff really went all out!

We can’t wait to see everyone’s costumes tomorrow!

#WorldclassWildcats #OCSWildcats

7 months ago, Oxford Community Schools
scarecrow
Monster Dress Up Day
Screenshot 2025-10-30 at 9
Animal Spirit Day
Oxford Community Schools greatly values our local businesses and the strong community that surrounds our schools. They are incredible partners, supporting students, programs, and events throughout the district.

The Operating Millage helps ensure our schools are funded appropriately. The state’s funding formula assumes the district collects 18 mills from non-homestead properties, including local businesses. For several years, businesses have been paying less than that, which has contributed to our current funding being below surrounding districts. This millage helps align our funding with the state formula, ensuring classrooms are supported while continuing to strengthen the community and our local business partnerships.

Strong schools benefit students, families, and local businesses alike, a true community partnership.

Learn more at oxfordschools.org/millage

🗳️ Vote November 4!
7 months ago, Oxford Community Schools
Operating Millage & Businesses: We love our local businesses! Strong schools help keep our village vibrant and growing.
Oxford Community Schools holds a fund balance of approximately $17 million, which falls within the range recommended by our independent auditor as appropriate for a district of our size. The fund balance ensures the district can pay regular bills and salaries even if the timing of incoming money from the state doesn’t line up perfectly with expenses. It also allows the district to cover unexpected costs, like emergency repairs, utility spikes, or urgent safety needs. It does not replace funding for essential classroom operations. Classroom programs are supported through our regular operating funds and millages.

For more information, you can watch the presentation from our auditor at the 10/21/25 school board meeting: https://youtu.be/cg5Nj5gSOCQ?si=xfideUYXXQg2-vdX&t=989.

Learn more at oxfordschools.org/millage

🗳️ Vote November 4!
7 months ago, Oxford Community Schools
$17 M Fund Balance

A Message from Dr. Tonya Milligan, Superintendent of Oxford Community Schools:

When I joined Oxford Community Schools last year, I immediately felt something special about this place.
Oxford isn’t just where people live, it’s where they belong. The schools are at the heart of that belonging.
They are where lifelong friendships are formed, Friday nights bring us together, and our children grow and discover who they want to become.

Across Michigan, many communities have seen enrollment decline in recent years, yet Oxford remains a strong and vibrant community where families want to be. As I’ve met with people across Oxford, I’ve heard a common theme: families are drawn here because of what we experience every day – our welcoming town, our caring neighbors, and exceptional schools filled with bright, compassionate students.

What truly sets Oxford apart is our people. The dedication of our staff is unlike anything I’ve seen in my 33 years in education. The way they care for students, and for one another, makes Oxford extraordinary. Oxford’s strength comes from its people. And together, we’ll continue to make this community a place where everyone feels they belong.

Last year, many of you helped shape our new Strategic Plan, which will guide us through 2030. It reflects our shared vision for the future:

Empowering Learners. Building Community. Inspiring Futures.

As we look ahead, Oxford voters will consider two important school
proposals on the November 4, 2025 ballot: a Non-Homestead Operating Millage and a Sinking Fund Millage. These measures are designed to preserve the quality of education, programs, and safe learning environments that our students and families value. To learn more about how these proposals support our schools and community,
visit https://oxfordschools.org/millage.

Oxford is a remarkable place, and it’s an honor to serve this community. I encourage all of our residents to stay informed and make your voices heard by voting on November 4th.

With gratitude,
Dr. Tonya Milligan
Superintendent, Oxford Community Schools

7 months ago, Oxford Community Schools
Oxford Community Schools: A Message From Dr. Tonya Milligan, Superintendent of Oxford Community Schools
It was wonderful seeing our Wildcats all dressed up and ready to celebrate Halloween last night at the Oxford Chamber of Commerce Trunk or Treat!
#WorldclassWildcats #OCSWildcats
7 months ago, Oxford Community Schools
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