Clarkston school officials ? and the five candidates vying for Clarkston school board ? are unanimous in their defense of the Monday, June 14 proposal to restore the full 18-mill ‘non-homestead? property tax.
Under provisions of 1994’s Proposal A, those who do not have to pay the extra tax will determine whether owners of business, industrial, rental and second-residence properties will. Clarkston’s proposal is to renew a 4.5-mill levy which expired in December 2003.
Anita Banach, director of marketing and communications for Clarkston Community Schools, said there has been little active lobbying for the millage proposal, outside of district information flyers and presentations to parent groups and the Clarkston Area Chamber of Commerce.
‘It’s really not like a campaign,? Banach said. ‘It’s not the schools asking for more money.?
Without the 4.5-mill renewal, officials say the district will lose about $1.6 million in state revenue for the 2004-2005 school year. Proposal A also links local districts? levying of the non-homestead tax to the state per-pupil foundation grant.
School elections traditionally draw few voters. The 2003 school election (which included the $84.7 million bond issue) attracted less than 5,000 of the district’s approximately 30,700 voters.
Banach believes the lack of a major bond question and the fact that classes will be out by June 14 may further affect voter turnout.
In addition to the non-homestead tax question, voters will choose two trustees for new four-year terms on the school board. On the ballot are Jeffrey Allsteadt, Barry Bomier, Karen Foyteck, Joan Patterson and Diane Weller.
Foyteck is an incumbent running for reelection. Incumbent Mary Ellen McLean chose not to run for reelection. Trustee Tony Miller has submitted his resignation effective July 1, but the resignation was not announced in time for that seat to be included on the Monday, June 14 ballot.
(Please see page 3A for candidate profile information. See page 12B for the public notice with ballot language and voting precinct locations.)
The ballot will also include candidates for three six-year seats on the Oakland Community College Board of Trustees.
Banach said absentee ballots are available from all school buildings or may be requested by calling (248) 623-5413.