On May 5, voters in Kalamazoo County will decide whether to renew the Kalamazoo RESA Special Education Millage for another six years. This is not a new tax. The proposal continues an existing 1.5 mills property tax that has been in place since 2015 and renewed in 2021. This millage renewal would generate $16.8 million annually to support mandated special education services in local school districts in Kalamazoo County. This renewal does not represent a new tax or an increase in the millage rate previously approved by voters.
Special education services are required by federal and state law. The millage helps districts cover the gap between the cost of mandated services and the amount they receive through state and federal funding.
These funds support programs such as:
• School psychologists, speech and physical therapists
• Special education teachers and paraprofessionals
• Assistive technology and specialized instructional services
If the millage is not renewed, districts would still be responsible for all special education costs and would need to use general fund dollars, potentially affecting other instructional programs.
Voters can find polling locations, registration information, or apply for an absentee ballot through the Michigan Voter Information Center at Michigan.gov/vote. The deadline to register to vote, either online or by mail, for the May 5 election is April 20. In-person registration is available through Election Day.
Kalamazoo RESA has published additional information at KRESA.org/millage, including a detailed FAQ, ballot language, and voting resources.
Special education services are required by federal and state law. The millage helps districts cover the gap between the cost of mandated services and the amount they receive through state and federal funding.
These funds support programs such as:
• School psychologists, speech and physical therapists
• Special education teachers and paraprofessionals
• Assistive technology and specialized instructional services
If the millage is not renewed, districts would still be responsible for all special education costs and would need to use general fund dollars, potentially affecting other instructional programs.
Voters can find polling locations, registration information, or apply for an absentee ballot through the Michigan Voter Information Center at Michigan.gov/vote. The deadline to register to vote, either online or by mail, for the May 5 election is April 20. In-person registration is available through Election Day.
Kalamazoo RESA has published additional information at KRESA.org/millage, including a detailed FAQ, ballot language, and voting resources.
