Voters will consider two separate millage proposals for Chelsea School District:
•    An operating millage renewal
•    A sinking fund millage replacement

These proposals:
•    Address millages that are expiring
•    Fund different needs and cannot replace each other
•    Help maintain funding without shifting costs between operations and facilities

No. These proposals continue funding that is already in place and set to expire.
•    The operating millage is a renewal of existing funding.
•    The sinking fund millage is a replacement of an expiring millage.

The operating millage supports day-to-day classroom learning – including teachers, programs, and student services – and is required for the district to receive its full per-pupil funding from the State of Michigan.

Without this millage:
•    The district would receive less funding per student.
•    The district would have reduced support for classroom instruction, staff, and programs.

This millage does not apply to owner-occupied homes.

The sinking fund supports school buildings, safety, and equipment – helping the district maintain and improve its facilities over time.

These funds may be used for:
•    Building repairs and maintenance
•    Safety and security improvements
•    Technology and infrastructure upgrades
•    School buses and transportation equipment

These funds cannot be used for salaries or day-to-day operating expenses.

Each proposal has a set term, after which voters would consider renewal or replacement:
•    Operating Millage: 6 years (2027-2032)
•    Sinking Fund Millage: 10 years (2027-2036)

If approved, each millage would provide annual funding to support different needs in the district:
•    Operating millage: approximately $6.26 million per year for classroom instruction, staff, and student programs
•    Sinking fund: approximately $1.33 million per year for building maintenance, safety improvements, and equipment

•    The operating millage does not apply to primary residences.
•    The sinking fund applies to all taxable property, including primary residences.
For estimated tax impact examples, click here or contact the district office at (734) 433-2208.

The district would receive less state funding for classroom instruction, affecting teachers, programs, and student services.
Building repairs and safety needs would still be addressed, but without dedicated sinking fund resources. As a result, the district may need to shift resources away from classrooms or delay other projects to cover those costs.

Both current millages expire with the 2026 tax levy, so voter approval is needed now to continue and replace this funding without interruption.

Tuesday, August 4, 2026

Full ballot language and additional information are available at:

Chelsea School District Administrative Offices
500 E. Washington Street, Chelsea, MI
(734) 433-2208