School Board Quick Hits: Board Approves Millage Language

The , headed by new President Susan Hill, met for a brief meeting Tuesday night. The board approved several resolutions, including one that will put an operating millage renewal on the Nov. 8 ballot.

Millage language approved

The school board approved ballot language for a five-year renewal of the current operating millage, to be voted on during the Nov. 8 general election.

The operating millage would levy up to 7.98 mills to fund the district’s general operating expenses. A 7.98 millage means residents pay $7.98 per $1,000 in taxable value. In total, the funds raised by the millage will provide $6.6 million for the district in 2011-12, or 6 percent of the district’s operating revenues.

The current millage will expire June 30, 2012.

The Friends of the BPS Millage, a community group organized to help promote and pass the millage, said representatives will speak to parents and teachers at school curriculum nights throughout September, capped off by a kickoff rally during the last week of September.

This is a zero percent tax increase for Birmingham homeowners, board members emphasized. The operating millage was last renewed in November 2007, with 74 percent of voters voting yes.

District opts out of federal breakfast program

The school board also voted to opt out of the National School Breakfast Program for the 2011-12 school year.

According to board members, a review of the program revealed that participating in the National Breakfast program — considering the number of mandates it requires — would cost the district more than it had set aside for food services.

According to Debbie Piesz, assistant superintendent for financial services, Birmingham has consistently opted out of the program for several years now and will continue to provide breakfast services at its schools. 

Also approved Tuesday night:

• School lunch prices for the 2011-12 school year. The prices were set for the standard Type A lunches offered in elementary and secondary schools. Elementary prices are $2.50, while secondary school lunches are $2.75. Most prices are the same as last year, Piesz said. However, she noted that Sodexo, the district’s food provider, said new federal regulations in the pipeline may increase lunch prices in coming years.
• Board members voted to endorse incumbent Donald Hubler for the Michigan Association of School Boards board of directors. Board member Geri Rinschler said Hubler is a “practical person, who certainly understands the challenges we see today.”
• The board awarded a contract to RKA Petroleum Traders to provide diesel fuel and gasoline for the district for the 2011-12 school year. The contract will cost the district $250,000.
• The board also awarded a contract to Superior Ground Cover to provide playground mulch for the district’s playgrounds, at a cost of $27,940.