TruBlue

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 10:22 p.m.

-Tom Some of us are tired of giving a blank check whenever government needs it. Proponents didn't do enough prep work to sell this millage. 1. What will be cut if it didn't pass? 2. What will the money be used for? 3. Where is the plan for sustainable reductions so this problem doesn't occur in the future. I graduated from a high school ranked 383 of 741 in the state. My elementary school 661 of 2065. Ann Arbor Schools rank in the top 50. I graduated from HS and college and make an upper middle class living. My point is, Washtenaw public schools are generally A+++, I think A+ is good enough.

Realistic Citizen

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 9:39 p.m.

Proudtobeme, Don't forget about that "unreimbursed expense" you can claim on your taxes for that $500 bucks per year. There's always a way to get your money back! Any smart teacher is probably already taking that deduction. Oops, I probably let the "cat out of the bag"!

Tom

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 9:11 p.m.

t is no coincidence that the United States has the highest incarceration rates in the World and that are Public School systems are reduced to begging an increasingly "Fox New" electorate for support. It is better to proactively spend Money up front to improve lives, rather than reactively write checks to the jailer. Until we realize them is us, and that our public schools are the foundation of this Society, this country's slide to second rate status will continue. How did we get to the point were so many people hate the public school? Today was a victory for the short sighted, the selfish, the ignorant and the hateful. May God forgive you.

DonBee

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 8:04 p.m.

Proud to be me - I am sorry that you have to spend your own money for the classroom, but I am proud to see a teacher who is willing to show the children the real science. I don't know what district you are in, but I can tell you that for most districts the total budget is up. For instance Ann Arbor has not had a year when the annual budget in total dollars has gone down in the last 8 years. This year will be tough, because the total budget will decline. In some other districts, student count declines have resulted in real dollar declines. The fraction of the budget that is left for classroom supplies is not clearly listed in the budget, but as a parent, I know we supply more and more supplies to the classrooms. My wife does a number of science demos for some of the grade schools and we fund the cost of the materials out of our pockets. Thank you for doing a good job.

proudtobeme

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 8 p.m.

Oh and I have always spent my own money on supplies for my classroom and never have complained about it b/c I love my job,I love teaching,and more importantly,I love my students.

proudtobeme

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 7:56 p.m.

I never assumed my classroom supplies should come from tax payers. I am simply stating that I do not make a ton of money,I contribute to the public education every year and I was willing to spend more of my tax dollars on education. I am not in charge of the budget at my school but I do know that things have been cut every year for the past 5 years. What the state has done to the schools of Michigan is a disgrace.

Anonymous Due to Bigotry

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 7:44 p.m.

prodtobeme: Have you ever questioned why you don't have the money you want for supplies? Where is what should be your supply budget going? Rather than consider that the money should be coming from non-essentials and overhead you jump to the conclusion that it should be coming from taxpayers.

proudtobeme

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 7:39 p.m.

Yes,I will put my money where my mouth is,since I voted YES. I have already spent $250 dollars of my own money for my classroom. Since we are suppose to do "Hands on" science,I will at least spend about $100 more on supplies needed to teach my lessons. I usually spend at least $500 yearly out of pocket for my classroom. So there is the money,and then some,in the taxes I would have spent. For 5 years???? Oh,I've been teaching for 14 years so I've spent about 7,000 of my own money. Oh yeah,but teachers get paid way too much money (why do I have to work in the summer?) Oh wait! I tutor during the school year to make extra cash,wow! I do make a lot of money! Yes,I will be contributing my tax money (or would be tax money) back into the public schools. Did I mention I also have children in the public schools and I am constantly dishing out money for them too.

American Family

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 7:33 p.m.

Good. The new tax was defeated. Liberals want it all. Spend, Spend, and Spend some more. And when the money runs out, rob, oh sorry, "TAX" people even more. This has nothing to do with the kids. Now the schools will have to learn how to work with in their budgets. They will have to prioritize what is needed, from what is wanted. Can't have it all. Streamline. Go back to what the schools were intended to do. Teach kids the real core subjects. Leave the rest to Mom and Dad.

PaperTiger

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 7:26 p.m.

HotSam: You hit the nail right on the head. Hmmmm, let me see. If Saline has 300 teachers and they would have to pay, say, 30% of their health benefits, well, do the math. There's your 1.2 million dollars right there, and that doesn't even count the dental and vision. And, you say they are "running out of money"? I received no bonus, nor pay increase this year, and my health benefit contribution was just increased by $50 per month. Now I pay close to $400 per month. And, if I would have voted "yes", then I would have taken another pay cut to pay for the teachers to continue to pay nothing for their health benefits. Doesn't make sense to me.

dwa

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 7:21 p.m.

My vote is to hold another election ASAP - (not sure of how long laws say you must wait) - and to support the education of our children by passing it!!!

dotdash

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 5:48 p.m.

The AA school board will be making decisions soon on what to cut. Rumor has it that the public will be asked for input, but that these decisions will happen fast. There's a BOE meeting soon (11/17, I think) and if you want to make a comment, you have to sign up ahead of time. Here's the link: http://www.aaps.k12.mi.us/boe.home/rules_for_public_commentary Hey, AnnArbor.com -- why not make a special page for collecting recommendations for cuts? Something that doesn't scroll off the page?

Eric78

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 3 p.m.

I would hope by the milage not passing we will see some changes to make are schools stronger in the furture..at almost 10k per a student we should be able to contunie to have a good school system that now can be perpared for the future with out rasing taxes for the general fund.

John Galt

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 1:09 p.m.

The candle has been burning at both ends for too long. The Left wants ever-increasing taxes to pay for all the socialist programs and entitlements. The Right wants "free trade" that destroys the American job market and reduces wages. There is little "candle" left. We cannot allow ever-increasing taxes while we are getting ever reduced wages. It is just not sustainable. The teachers union and other public sector employees are now going to feel what the private sector employees have dealt with first. You cannot live in a protected bubble while your "host" is bleeded to death. Time to make priorities and spend what money you have wisely.

AAJoker

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 12:12 p.m.

What really clinched voting "no" for me was hearing from kids that there teacher urged them to have their parents vote "yes" otherwise the teacher could lose their job, a disgusting tactic.

djahner

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 11:55 a.m.

I'd like to think that part of the reason that this failed was that it was an unfair tax against charter and parochial parents. These parents pay taxes also. Can we now look at pension costs?

stihl1

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 11:11 a.m.

I am so happy this did not pass.

dotdash

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 10:53 a.m.

To ownrdgd and all those who voted no because they saw "waste": There is always waste in any system, there just is. In businesses there are endless unproductive meetings, in homes there are uninsulated walls and multiple car trips per day, in schools there are too many administrators. No system is waste-free. If you don't like what you see, then do something about it; go to a school board meeting and shout. But it sounds to me as if a lot of people who are not actively seeking better solutions are using the excuse of "waste" to vote their pocketbooks.

TXteacher

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 10:52 a.m.

EyeHeartA2-It seems to me that "blind love" for one's state is killing Michigan. There are greener pastures elsewhere is all I'm saying. Check the 1st amendment, I think it allows free speech. I post because it's great entertainment, and so sad at the same time. Stop the anger and fix the state. Nothing is accomplished by angry words and voting.

larry

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 10:49 a.m.

I think we should double the existing school funding to $25,000 per student. We would then have the ABSOLUTE BEST schools in the world, and everyone would flock to Ann Arbor. With the added tax revenue, we could FURTHER increase funding per student to $40,000. What a beautiful, self-reinforcing cycle... Of course, everyone would then want to teach, and all the productive folks left in the real world would end up paying for it all...Too bad.

Tom Bower

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 10:22 a.m.

Creative destruction.

ResidentAnvil

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 10:13 a.m.

Good job, Naysayers. I just wish you could have found a more positive way to affect change in Washtenaw County.

Ralph

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 10 a.m.

Hmmm, the state does not require kindergarten. Cost of child care for a 5 year old $8,000. The state does not require busing. Cost to deliver the little genius to school - lets say a $200 in gas, not counting your time. The state does not mandate sports, music, art etc. Cost of pay to play variable - multiple kids $500. Welcome to Michissippi!

TXteacher

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 9:59 a.m.

This is a typical example of why our Michigan is in trouble. People are short-sighted, selfish, and going down the drain like a Liquid Plummer tornado. Pack your moving truck, people! I did 30 years ago and have never looked back!

StrongFire

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 9:52 a.m.

Of course, the school districts will stop funding athletic, music, and arts programs. What they should really be doing is getting tough with the teachers unions and eliminating gold-plated benefits like MESSA insurance. For those who are out of work or have had their pay cut and their benefits reduced or eliminated, paying an additional 2 mills for the next five years is an affront. The supporters tout that their campaign was a grassroots effort fighting against McKinley. I looked at the full page ad last Sunday. A large number of their grassroots were school employees -- superintendents, teachers, and other staff. Demonstrate to me that the school personnel have sacrificed their wages and benefits as much as the general population has in the past several years, then I might consider a much lower millage request. Note to AnnArbor.com -- Please take down the YouTube video and correct the spelling of C-O-U-N-C-I-L, then upload it again. The interviews were great, but it reflects poorly on you that it clearly was not a typographical error.

cook1888

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 9:52 a.m.

This isn't really a great day for anyone. People are hurting financially and so are the schools. It is obvious that many people in AA voted for this measure and could afford it. They couldn't imagine that several hundred dollars a year is significant to some people. If you could afford the tax, now is the time to step up and donate to your school PTSO. Can't AnnArbor.com find out who all these people and positions are that fill the Balas buildings? There were lots of reports that central administration is still filled with highly paid bureaucrats. Cut there heavily first. Anyone who has older relatives that lived through the Depression will tell you they learned to live with very little and that generation is considered the "great" one. The kitchen table in the evening is free, the public libraries are free and a parent's time spent with their kids is invaluable. This can be an opportunity to do with less, live simply and still flourish. I don't think most people who voted against this are against teachers, schools or students. They are just faced with a harsh economic reality that they expect the schools to face as well.

ownrdgd

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 9:43 a.m.

Excause me,I am not a rich tax payer and yes I voted NO I am retired with NO kids in your School system.I see WASTE every day in the local schools.Untill I see a drastic accounting of how my hard earned tax dollars are spent I will continue to vote NO

treetowncartel

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 9:39 a.m.

Billy, its a tough decision since grandparents are all still here and I have to put it into committee, not sure if I can get past that. Being born and raised in this state it has some great offerings, like heading up north for one. But man, I hear from so many friends who packed up and left for those greener pastures and are doing well. Yeah, they miss Ann Arbor, and the ironic thing is the reason they would want to move back, and really the only one, is so their kids could go to public school here. The diversity is great, gives you an opportunity at a young age to deal with people from different cultures and socio-economic backgrounds. I can see both sides of the coin on the millage debate. The problem really lies in Lansing, but they have forced our hand to take it even more local.

voiceofreason

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 9:36 a.m.

Even though some posters on this site are predicting classroom abyss due to the failure of this millage, it will be very satisfying when educational outcomes are the exact same three years from now. The reason Ann Arbor has great public schools is because your average Ann Arbor parent has a high level of educational attainment. For those people under the impression that this millage was the difference between their child working at McDonalds and attending Harvard Law School, this is simply ridiculous. If you actually believe this to be true, I invite you to donate to the educational fund posted above. It is the height of ignorance to allow your child's education to suffer simply because you wanted someone else to pay for it.

Jim Kress

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 9:34 a.m.

Great news for those of us the government views as their slaves!

dotdash

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 9:33 a.m.

David Martel -- why doesn't the AA Educational Foundation fund teacher salaries? More teachers, smaller classrooms - that's what I'd like to see. Where does the money go then? I looked on the website and I couldn't exactly tell.

MikeAA

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 9:28 a.m.

Just in case anybody wonders what the incentives were here - McKinley Company is probably the largest landlord in this county. If the millage had passed, they would have had to absorb that cost for at least year without being able to pass it to their renters, who are on leases which fix their rental payments for the term of their lease. $75,000 to push the no vote was money well spent. I also agree the proponents didn't do much to tell voters why, specifically this money was needed.

treetowncartel

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 8:58 a.m.

Well, it looks like its time to look for greener pastures and move my kids somwhere with opportunities. those of you that stay should work with the legislature on reforming the Michigan Business Tax. One area to start on is the filing fees charged by the state for company filings, they are ridiculously low in comparison to other states and are a good source for funding since the filings are mandatory. last one out turn off the lights.

Tom Bower

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 8:57 a.m.

Still no word from WISD?

YpsiLivin

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 8:54 a.m.

"The rich taxpayers have just voted down a very good reading program that helps our neediest students. It takes only 18 students per class and two teachers to run it." Dr. I. Emsayin, Although I don't send my children to the public schools, my second-grade son is having trouble with reading. In fact, if his diagnostic tests are right, he's well behind his peers in terms of reading ability. I spend upwards of 30 minutes each day with him on his reading skills.Before you assume otherwise, yes, I work full-time; in fact, I'm self-employed. I get "help" from the school he attends in the form of the Accelerated Reader program. I don't know whether the program itself works when it comes to improving reading skills, but it does help me find books that he can read successfully. I can't say that this approach costs the taxpayer nothing, (though it comes close) because my son does borrow 7-10 books from the public library each week. His reading abilities are improving however, more because of the time I spend with him on reading practice than what the program does for him. There are many ways to improve reading skills among children that don't involve two teachers in a classroom with 18 students. Perhaps its time for the public school system to demand more from parents.

Dan Rubenstein

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 8:46 a.m.

I supported the millage, but it is wrong to assume that those who funded the opposition are people who want to "dismantle" government (or public schools). McKinley is a significant contributor to educational causes in Ann Arbor, if you do some homework. People can have legitimate, genuine philosophical and political-economic differences. If one genuinely believes there is fat to be cut, WISD is insufficiently transparent, the state should live up to its promise to fund education, or simply that all sectors must share Michigan's economic pain, we should refrain from disparaging their motivation unless given other evidence. Some of you may think you see that evidence. I haven't.

The Grinch

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 8:39 a.m.

Thank God (he says with EXTREME sarcasm) we voted down this millage. I mean, who can afford, on average, 50 cents per day for our schools? How outrageous that school districts would need that additional funding, having had their state funding cut by millions of dollars over the past decade. So let's cut all non-essential programs, whatever those might be. Judging by what I've seen on the posts leading up this election, they include foreign language instruction, busses, music and drama, adult ed, special ed, and libraries. Given the response to the teacher who wrote the eloquent piece about the impact this would have in her classroom, putting 35-40 students in a classroom appears to be desirable, too. But, don't cut sports. GOD NO!! Don't cut sports. And for all of those who want to cut teacher pensions, sorry, but this "no" vote won't accomplish that. The pension program is state run, and local school districts will have the same pension bill this year now that the millage has failed as they would have had had it passed. So, in your ignrorance, and in your incredible and misplaced anger at teachers, and in your efforts to put the screws to those dedicated professionals to whom we entrust our children's and out commmunity's futures, you have not changed the pension fund one iota. You have, however, taken money needed to educate our children. But I'm certain that their education is not nearly as important as your enjoying that additional cup of MacDonald's coffee you'll be able to buy with that 50 cents per day. So, I want to congratulate you all. Ignorance and anger win out over facts, over logic, over the welfare of our children, and over the reputation of our community for being supportive of education (something far more important to attracting high-tech businesses and their high-paying jobs than a minimal increase in property taxes). Mississippi's new state motto: Thank God for Michigan!!

Barry

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 8:19 a.m.

AAJoker - Guess we have a good idea how much money you make, and how much taxes you pay. This may surprise you, but under the Alternative Minimum Tax I was unable to deduct any taxes paid under the millage. If I donate money, then under the AMT I could actually get a deduction from my state and federal taxes. I voted yes on the millage, though it would have come from my family's wallet. To put it bluntly, Joker, from your comment I can assume that I pay far more taxes than you do - and yet I was willing to support the schools. Must be pretty mind blowing.

thegulliblecynic

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 8:12 a.m.

Dr. I. Emsayin: Thank you. I'm glad there's someone else here whom I can agree with.

The Picker

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 8:10 a.m.

I hope this is not a reflection on A2 education or lack there of, but what an embarrassment for A2.com to produce a worldwide Utube video with spelling errors. Saline city counsil(sic) Really! Time to send your reporters back to grade school.

MjC

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 8:10 a.m.

Im not a rich taxpayer. Im not connected to the Vote No folks. Im a parent volunteer and strong supporter of Ann Arbor Public Schools. This mill would not have solved any of the problems our schools are facing in the State of Michigan. If you want to truly make a difference, then write to your State Representatives and Granholm and demand that school funding be restored. Its our state government that is failing our school systems (colleges included). It is also a time for us to think differently about the way our schools are operated. Think school consolidation. Think school of choice (competition is a good thing!). Implement a salary merit increase program that rewards in accordance to performance. Think year-round school programs. Explore an expanded school day or consider a four day school week. Use available technology (increase on-line credit courses, provide a pay-for on-line home schooling program). Contact your State Representatives and School Board Members. We can make changes that really matter.

AAJoker

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 8:02 a.m.

Barry, Wow, didn't take you long to flip on your beliefs!!! I guess you only wanted the millage if you could take it as a write off. DagnyJ, Well said, this is EXACTLY why I voted no, the AAPS has gotten big and fat and it's time for some trimming. Please note I speak from experience as I attended AAPS and now have a child attending.

Barry

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 7:37 a.m.

"If you voted Yes on this millage than put your money where your mouth is and donate what you would have paid through the millage to your school district." I voted yes - but this is ridiculous. I am not going to reward those who voted against the schools with my money - I'm going to follow their logic that we should all have terrible benefits, that schools don't matter, and that somehow after nearly thirty years of trying, cutting taxes will miraculously save Michigan. No. No donations. Let's watch this area slide into the abject poverty and hopelessness of the rest of this state.

anonamoose

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 7:35 a.m.

I agree with Dagny.

DagnyJ

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 7:27 a.m.

I wasn't manipulated. I would advise the WISD to put the millage back on the table AFTER its districts have gored all the sacred cows, gotten teachers in all districts to share the costs of health insurance, made all spending and contracts transparent. Then I will support a millage.

Dexter Parent

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 7:22 a.m.

The state should finally change the voting laws and allow each township to vote separately, allowing parents who actually care about their childrens education to vote separately from the parents who don't give a darn.

Dr. I. Emsayin

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 7:14 a.m.

The rich taxpayers have just voted down a very good reading program that helps our neediest students. It takes only 18 students per class and two teachers to run it. This, and the training to run the program are the types of losses the county will face. In a classist society, we have to keep the poor poor so we have our low wage workers to clean up our messes and flip our burgers. Farewell vocational education, another expensive program that districts will cut. Clearly, the voters don't want the children to have bootstraps to pull themselves up by. Enjoy your steaks and gas guzzlers, voters!

David Martel

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 7:14 a.m.

The Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation is a non-profit organization separate from the Ann Arbor Public Schools that serves as the one true vehicle for private giving to public schools in Ann Arbor. The Educational Foundation is fiscally sound and transparent. Dollars are stewarded responsibly. Dollars do not go into teacher compensation or district administrative compensation. Dollars stay 100% in Ann Arbor. The Foundation has a 17 year history raising private donations for the Ann Arbor Public Schools. And don't forget, donations are not only not a "tax" but they are tax deductible. Approximately 54% of voters in the Ann Arbor Public Schools district voted yes. If each of the approximate 12,971 "yes" votes were to donate an average of $250 annually (based on an average home value of $250,000 and a taxable value of 50%), we would instantly raise $3,242,750 annually to support public education in the Ann Arbor Public School District. FIND OUT MORE at http://www.supportannarborschools.org and spread the word. Note: Ann Arbor is not the only city within our county with an Educational Foundation. Explore yours today.

Chelsea

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 6:58 a.m.

If you voted Yes on this millage than put your money where your mouth is and donate what you would have paid through the millage to your school district.

larry

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 6:56 a.m.

i think $12,500 per student is MORE than enough. people around here should get real -- thank God for those that voted NO... we cannot keep supporting people's state pensions for 30-40 years after they retire (and then double-dip back into the system)

SpamBot1

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 6:51 a.m.

I'm glad this didn't pass!! I can take the $200 I'm going to save and rent a moving truck!

Duane

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 6:30 a.m.

everyone who voted yes, quit crying and move on. The school systems should not be run like a private corporation. there are to many people at the top digging in for your hard earned tax dollars.things have to change

Duane

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 6:22 a.m.

for all the people who voted yes, take the money you saved from this millage and donate it to all the superintendents for the next big raise they need

AAJoker

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 5:59 a.m.

thegulliblecynic, You are severely misguided if you think the average voter was tricked into voting this down. In fact the pressure (and scare tactics including robo calls) to vote "yes" was everywhere, however the lack of any true planning outside of these scare tactics completely undermined this initiative. The average joe voter wants to see the public school system learn to manage their own costs as a business, instead they resorted to extortion tactics to try and raise money.

Jim Mulchay

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 5:53 a.m.

Do you have any voter "turnout" counts by community? Looking at the county clerk site (which is by precinct) it is hard to tell what kind of community (Ann Arbor, Manchester, Whitmore Lake, etc) turnout there was. The early returns (Chelsea, Saline) seemed to point to a 30% or better turnout.

belboz

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 3:24 a.m.

I really don't want to hear about the financing of the "No" vote side. My 15 and 10 year olds were constantly getting information at school about the importance of voting yes and how, if I voted "No" they wouldn't be able to get a good education. That teachers did a good job and we needed to support them, etc... etc.... Someone had to raise the money to counter the effort and provide a balanced view of the proposal. Either way, I think people didn't need any convincing, one way or the other, as to which side they were on. Plenty of people didn't want this passed. If our education system was so great, then why are in this giant economic mess right now? Apparently the system didn't do a good enough job teach the public how to NOT screw up our economy. We shouldn't be rewarding failure. We need to rethink what we teach and how. My 10 year old son DOES NOT need to be learning Spanish. What a waste. How about some early courses in Economics instead, and understanding what a Trade Defecit is, and why it is devestating to have teachers.... er, the public, buying foreign cars. Until the trade deficit is long gone, we'll continue with these economic woes, and thus educational financing woes...

MCC

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 2:11 a.m.

Spencer: I can't wait to see the final campaign finance reports for the Vote YES campaign. My guess, they outspent the Vote NO 2 to 1. And the AAPS has still not given us the "consulting fee" they have been paying Norm Herbert for his work organizing the citizen millage committee. When all the money comes out in the wash, the numbers might surprise you. Also, the Vote Yes had no plan, no solutions, just "the sky is falling, we need money" and then used our children as pawns.

Tom Bower

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 1:21 a.m.

I think the money spent by the opposition had little to do with the defeat of this millage. Millage proponents did a poor job in turning out the vote in the area that should have made the difference. Low voter turnout in the Ann Arbor school district was a key contributing factor. Likewise, low voter turnout in districts that would have been recipient districts (received more than $1 for each dollar contributed in tax)was a contributing factor. The fact that public school academy students were not eligible to receive any of the millage may have also been a factor, afterall there are 3,500 of these students in Washtenaw County and their parents probably did not support this millage. Hopefully, WISD will engage with the Michigan Department of Education and the Michigan Legislature to have the law changed so public school academy students will be eligible to receive regional enhancement millage money the next time this comes before voters.

thegulliblecynic

Wed, Nov 4, 2009 : 1:10 a.m.

It's really unfortunate that we allowed ourselves to be manipulated by large business interests into rejecting our own children's education. "$75,000 of his company's money to fight the additional tax." It's not the average taxpayer who led the fight against this millage, it's the wealthy business owner who wants to dismantle government piece by piece and sadly often is successful in doing so at every level of government...