Ottawa County area voters will have the opportunity to renew the county’s Special Education Millage on May 6, 2025.
This proposal would allow the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District (OAISD), the regional organization that connects the State of Michigan with local school districts, to continue collecting taxes approved by regional voters in 2007 to support state mandated special education programs and services.
If approved, the milage would cost homeowners about $87.13 a year for a $100,00 home (taxable value of $50,000).
The Special Education Millage exists because state and federal funding cover 42% of the funds needed to support state mandated special education programs and services.
The tax eliminates the funding gap so resources otherwise dedicated to general education programs don’t have to be reduced.
Nearly 13% of students throughout the OASID region receive special education services. Special education services supported by the millage include:
More than 70% of OAISD special education millage is sent directly to local school districts and public school academies to use for special education programming within their districts. The remaining dollars cover OAISD direct instructional programs for those students with disabilities requiring services beyond the scope provided at the local level.
For more information about the Special Education Millage Proposal, visit oaisd.org/about-us/millage