Building Tomorrow, Together

A sinking fund is a “pay as you go” system approved by local voters that allows school districts to pay cash for repairs and improvements as needed, ensuring that necessary work can be completed without incurring debt. Tecumseh Public Schools has several areas requiring significant infrastructure repair and upgrades over the next five years to maintain a safe and effective learning environment. However, current State of Michigan funding does not cover the maintenance, repairs, or improvements of school buildings. To address this funding gap, Tecumseh Public Schools, like many other districts across Michigan, relies on a sinking fund millage to finance these essential repairs and upgrades.

The 2024 Sinking Fund Millage will be on the ballot on November 5th, 2024. The proposal seeks a 1.75 mill levy over a period of five years. If approved by voters, this levy would generate approximately $7.5 million for the district over the five-year period, which equates to about $1.5 million annually. These funds would be specifically allocated for CAPITAL PROJECTS including the maintenance, repair, and improvement of school facilities, ensuring that the district can address its infrastructure needs in a timely and financially responsible manner.

Approval of the sinking fund millage is crucial for Tecumseh Public Schools as it will enable the district to enhance the safety and quality of its educational facilities. The funds would be used for a variety of projects, including updates to the Tecumseh Community Memorial Pool, roof repairs, HVAC system upgrades, technology replacements, and other critical infrastructure improvements. It's important to note that the list of projects is no particular order and over a period of five years.

By voting in favor of the 2024 Sinking Fund Millage, community members can directly contribute to the long-term sustainability and improvement of their local schools, providing a better environment for both students and staff.

To summarize:

• The Sinking Fund Millage will be used for essential building repairs and capital projects

• Property owners, including those with primary residences, will pay this millage ($131.25 per year for a property with a taxable value of $75,000)

• Approval of this Millage will ensure necessary repairs and maintenance can be performed without straining the general fund

• Project list is for a period of over five years. Projects listed are in no particular order. The pool will be the first project of this sinking fund.

Facts:

• The resolution to millage a 1.75 mills sinking fund was approved unanimously by the school board

• The millage is expected to raise approximately $7.5 million over five years

• The initial project funded by this millage will be the repair of the Tecumseh Memorial Community Pool roof, estimated to cost about $2.5 million

• The sinking fund will also cover other critical building and site projects, such as repaving driveways, roof repair, technology updates, and more

• The district's general fund cannot cover the projected building maintenance costs beyond the 2024-25 school year without this levy

Letter to TPS Families
Official Sinking Fund Millage Press Release

Important Dates

ELECTION DAY
November 5, 2024

September 26: Absent voter ballots must be available for issuance to voters

October 21: Deadline to register by mail or online and be eligible to vote for the November election (you still have the option to register in person until Election Day.)

November 4: Deadline to vote in person, with an absentee ballot, at your city of township clerk's office if you're registered to vote where you live (by 4 pm)

November 5: Election Day! Polls are open 7 am-8 pm. If you need to register to vote, you can register and then vote at your city or township clerk’s office until 8 pm.

Voter Information

Michigan Voter Information Center

Register to Vote - Online

Register to Vote - Printable

Clerk's Office

309 E. Chicago Blvd.,
Tecumseh, MI 49286

Contact Information

Matt Hilton
Superintendent of Tecumseh Public Schools
matt.hilton@tps.k12.mi.us

Scheduled Meetings

Meetings will be held in the Media Center of Tecumseh High School - 760 Brown Street

• Monday, September 16, 2024 - 6 pm - CANCELED

• Tuesday, September 24, 2024 - 6 pm

• Thursday, September 26, 2024 - 6 pm