FERNDALE, Mich. — Voters who live within Ferndale Public Schools will decide on an Operating Millage Replacement Proposal on Tuesday, Nov. 3. The proposal does not increase the tax rate and does not apply to primary residences. It would keep the district's existing 18-mill operating levy on non-homestead property in place from 2027 through 2046, so the district continues to receive its full per-pupil foundation allowance from the State.

Michigan law caps school operating taxes at 18 mills. Ferndale Public Schools levies 18 mills on non-homestead property today, and under the proposal it could levy no more than 18 mills in any year. Non-homestead property includes businesses, rental properties, second homes and vacant land. Primary residences do not pay the 18-mill operating levy today and would not pay it under the proposal.

"The most common question we hear is whether this raises taxes, and the answer is no," said Superintendent Dr. Camille Hibbler. "This proposal keeps the same 18-mill rate that is in place today. We want every voter in our community to have clear, accurate information before they cast their ballot."

The State of Michigan calculates each district's per-pupil foundation allowance assuming the district collects the full 18 mills on non-homestead property. If a district levies less than 18 mills, including as a result of Headlee rollbacks required by the Michigan Constitution, it does not receive its full foundation allowance and must operate with reduced funding.

The ballot language authorizes up to 20 mills, with 18 mills as the most that can be levied in any year. The additional 2 mills serve as a cushion so that future Headlee rollbacks do not reduce the levy below 18 mills. Of the 18 mills, 16.3262 mills replace authorization that would otherwise expire with the 2035 tax levy, and 1.6738 mills restore authorization lost to past Headlee rollbacks. If approved, the proposal is estimated to provide the district with $6,742,038 in 2027 for general operating purposes.

The proposal is separate from the bond voters approved in May 2025, which funds buildings and capital projects. The operating millage supports the district's day-to-day operations.

Registered voters who live within the district's boundaries will see the proposal on their ballot. The last day to register online or by mail is Monday, Oct. 19; after that, residents may register in person at their city or township clerk's office through Election Day. Early in-person voting runs Saturday, Oct. 24 through Sunday, Nov. 1. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

Voters can find their polling place and precinct at mvic.sos.state.mi.us/Voter/Index and view a sample ballot at mvic.sos.state.mi.us/PublicBallot/Index. The full ballot language, answers to common questions and voting information for each community in the district are available at ferndaleschools.org/page/millage.

About Ferndale Public Schools

Founded in 1887, Ferndale Public Schools serves approximately 3,100 students from the communities of Ferndale, Pleasant Ridge, Oak Park, Royal Oak Township and portions of Hazel Park. The district provides a comprehensive educational experience from early childhood through high school, offering rigorous academics, innovative learning opportunities, award-winning arts and athletics, career and technical education, and comprehensive social-emotional supports. Recognized for its commitment to equity, inclusion and student-centered learning, Ferndale Public Schools empowers every student to discover their potential, achieve academic success and become engaged members of their communities.

To learn more about Ferndale Public Schools, visit the website. To stay up to date on district news, events and announcements, visit the News page.

Media Contact:

Brittany Mobley, Director of Communications

Ferndale Public Schools

248-586-8675 | brittany.mobley@ferndaleschools.org