Parent Alert:

A student reported a suspicious vehicle in the area this morning.  Please read the following letter from the Superintendent:

Stranger Danger Letter 9-27-2016

Non-Homestead Millage RENEWAL Election
Tuesday, November 8, 2016

What is non-homestead property?
Non-Homestead refers to commercial, business, owners of rental properties, vacant land and second-home properties.  By law, almost all school districts are entitled to seek voter approval to levy 18 mille on such property.  In fact, in order for the school district to receive its full pupil foundation allowance from the State, the district must levy 18 mills.

Will the taxes on my home increase?
NO!  Since the adoption of Proposal A in 1994, school funding was structured to include an 18 mill non-homestead tax that requires periodic renewal.  Industry, rental, vacant land and second-home property owners will pay taxes to support educational programming within the community in which they are located.

Will the taxes on non-homestead property such as local businesses increase?
NO!  The authorized non-homestead millage for Richmond Community Schools s schedule to expire in 2017.  Without a renewal, our pupil funding level will drop to the lowest in the county, resulting in a $2.7 million annual loss to the district's operational budget.

If the proposal is defeated, will mu homeowner taxes go down?
NO!  If the proposal is defeated, the millage rate for homeowners will not be reduced.  Taxes on industry, rentals, and second-home properties would be reduced by 18 mills.

What is this money used for?
The money the district received from the non-homestead millage supports the annual operating budget, or the day-to-day operations of the school district.  Classroom supplies, textbooks, equipment, utilities, transportation, staff, athletics, etc. are all paid from the operational budget.

Key facts to remember:
1. Will not increase taxes.
2. Is an existing 18 mills levy on commercial, business and rental properties in the school district.
3. Has no impact on homeowner's property taxes
4. Provided $2.7 million dollars or 20% of the operating funds for Richmond Community Schools
5. Is required to receive full foundation allowance established by the State.
6. Is funding that goes directly to the District to help pay operational cost to educate students.

Non-Discrimination Statement

In compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education amendments of 1972, Section 504 of Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title II of the Americans with Disability Act of 1990, and Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act of 1977, it is the policy of the Richmond Community School District that no person shall, on the basis of race, color, religion ,military status, national origin or ancestry, sex (including sexual orientation or transgender identity), disability, age (except as authorized by law,) height, weight, or marital status be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to, discrimination during any program, activity, service or employment. Inquiries related to any nondiscrimination policies should be directed to the Superintendent, 35276 Division Road, Richmond, MI 48062, (586) 727-3565.