Traverse City Record-Eagle

Election 2007

November 6, 2007

TCAPS millage renewal approved

By Lindsay VanHulle

TRAVERSE CITY ó Traverse City Area Public Schools will receive more than $100 million spanning a decade for infrastructure improvements, after voters supported a districtwide millage proposal.

The 3.1-mill levy approved Tuesday maintains the rate TCAPS received in its last ballot proposal in 2004. The proposal earned roughly 61 percent of votes, according to figures available late Tuesday.

The tax will generate $105 million over 10 years for capital improvements to elementary and secondary buildings, technology and buses.

"I'm just delighted," Superintendent James Feil said. "It's such a vote of confidence for our children and the future of this region."

This is the first time TCAPS has held its election in November, and Feil said the change thus far has been positive.

The millage is an example of that, he said, adding he is pleased voters approved a continuation of their school tax in "challenging" economic times.

Funds generated from millage proposals solely are meant for infrastructure improvements. None of the dollars levied are used for classroom purposes or salaries, money for which comes from the operating budget primarily funded by the state.

The district needs the money to continue offering a quality education, Traverse City resident Christopher Smith said at the polls.

"I want that money available for any improvements to buildings," Smith said. "It's not an increase. It's just a continuation, so I don't think that's a problem."

But Bill Ludwig, of Williamsburg, voted against the proposal partly because of a July decision to close Bertha Vos Elementary. One of his children attends the school.

"There was a gross misappropriation of funds," Ludwig said. "I don't think giving the schools more money is the answer."

Traverse City resident Sam Niemi initially was going to vote down the millage.

That was before he saw a presentation from Paul Soma, TCAPS' chief financial officer, at a school board meeting a few months ago. It prompted a change of heart.

"I was very impressed by their fiscal management," Niemi said. "This money's not going to waste."ù

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