Houghton Portage Township School district residents packed a full schoolhouse last night. Residents met with the HPTS school board to express concerns and support for a recently passed millage extension. In November the 09.64 millage rate was passed by 30 votes.
The next question is, will I see a property tax rate increase next year due to the school debt repayment millage? The answer is no. The millage that passed extends the current school debt rates for an additional two years and then follows a different schedule until repayment is complete. This means our school debt millage rate will not increase higher than the current level. The current rate of 9.64 mills would have continued into 2029. Our request to voters was to extend the 9.64 mills another two years until 2031. To see the change across every year, we have a millage chart posted on our website that details every year. – Amanda massaway, President, HPTS Board of Education
Several voters shared concern that after learning more information from a source outside HPTS’ provided documents, they would not have voted in favor of the millage. They believed the district’s solutions would solve a need for more space by saddling residents with more debt.
This is a very contentious and emotional issue that we have right now. It’s very, very complicated. I spent a lot of time trying to figure out all the ins and outs of what it costs and what works. Superintendent Hill and I have agreed to sit down with the Intermediate School District Superintendent Jim Rautiola and try to figure out ways that we can work together. So we all want the same thing for our community. We want what’s best for our kids, we want what’s best for our community. And again, I said, it’s a very, very complicated issue. So we will keep you informed about what we’re doing. Again, we want to try to figure out if there is a way that we can all work together to help the community. So I would hope that you know, I’ve kind of been the instigator, I think, to get people pretty excited about things. I tried to put out data that I felt was accurate. If anybody questions that, I’d be happy to answer that. – Scott MacInnes, Houghton Resident and former city manager
School board president Amanda Massaway shared with shared with the public prior to comment an appreciation for the community’s engagement in the future of education for Houghton and Portage Township.
During our community strategic planning process in 2022, it appeared the district was at an inflection point and some big decisions needed to be made on how to move into the future. We wanted these big decisions to reflect the will of the community. To accomplish this, we explored the feasibility of many options, including student needs, consolidation opportunities, capping school of choice, the optimal timeline, financial considerations, enrollment trends, and productions. Projections, space constraints, and facility needs. We shared this body of work with the community to develop the ballot proposal. This was done through a series of public workshops and electronic communications. Progress was reported monthly during regular board meetings. The proposal on the ballot and the timing reflected what we heard as the will of hundreds of community members who engaged. We’re grateful for the amount of community involvement through this process. – Amanda Massaway, President, HPTS Board of Education
The Houghton Portage Township school board did not take action on the bond millage during its January meeting. The board shuffled around to make room for a new member. Mike Salmi will fill his role on the board for his six-year term. Melissa Vertan will fill a chair for a two-year term. The board’s leadership will remain in place with member Brad Baltensperger taking on the treasurer’s duties. Find more information about the Houghton Portage Township school district online.
