Your Vote Matters for Our Schools on November 4
On Tuesday, November 4, I encourage every eligible voter in our community to cast a ballot on a proposal that directly impacts the future of Houghton Lake Community Schools. Your vote will help us protect vital funding that supports our students’ education, our schools’ safety, and the overall strength of our community.
Here’s why this matters: This past summer, due to the Headlee Amendment, the District’s operating millage was reduced from 18.0 mills to 17.8036. While that difference looks small on paper, it equals a loss of about $122,500 for our District—funds that directly support the day-to-day learning of our students.
On November 4, the District is asking voters to approve a 2.0 mill increase. This does not mean we will collect more than the legal limit of 18.0 mills. Instead, it creates a buffer so that, even if the Headlee rollback happens again in the future, we can still collect the full 18.0 mills through 2029. Without this safeguard, our schools could face further financial setbacks in the years to come.
It’s also important to know that this millage does not affect most homeowners. It applies only to non-homestead properties such as vacation homes, rental properties, and businesses.
Approving this proposal means:
● For our students: We can keep providing safe, clean, and well-equipped schools.
● For our staff: Teachers and support professionals will continue to have the resources needed to give every child a strong education.
● For our community: Strong schools help strengthen property values, attract families, and support our local economy.
Houghton Lake Community Schools has made great progress in recent years, and with your support, we can keep moving forward. Please remember to vote on Tuesday, November 4—together, we can protect our schools, our students, and our future.
Sincerely,
Ben Williams
Superintendent, Houghton Lake Community Schools