GOLDEN APPLE RECIPIENTS & RETIREES WERE RECOGNIZED TONIGHT - AWESOME EVENING!!!

ACADEMICS, ATHLETICS, AND OPPORTUNITY 

THS TOP 10 - HONORED TONIGHT AT OUR TPS BOE MEETING 5.13.2024

A CALL TO GET INVOLVED! MARCH 14, 2024 - 5:30 - 7:30 P.M.

MAY 7, 2024/BALLOT PROPOSALS

Dear Trenton Public Schools Family,

Earlier this week, a letter was shared with our community regarding the exciting progress of our Energy Bond Initiative that comes at no cost to taxpayers. A sentiment was also shared that was related to time not being infinite along with the immortal words of Everett Wiley Wilson -  leave things better than you found them. To that end, we are excited to announce that Trenton Public Schools is continuing the mission to make the school district exemplary!

Voters in Trenton Public Schools (TPS) will be asked to consider two separate initiatives on the May 7 ballot to fully fund school district operations and invest in school safety, technology, as well as infrastructure and equipment to support student learning. The TPS Board of Education approved placing both measures on the May 7 ballot during their meeting on January 22, 2024. Both proposals  are integral to maintaining the high standards of education and facilities provided by Trenton Public Schools. 

The first proposal  is a renewal of the district’s non-homestead millage (operating millage) —a funding source required by state law.  The non-homestead millage is levied only on businesses, vacant land, rental properties and second homes.  The non-homestead millage renewal is NOT levied on primary residences (the home in which a homeowner lives). Currently, this revenue source contributes nearly $3.3 million annually to the operating budget and supports all programs and services provided by Trenton Public Schools.
The second proposal addresses the replacement of Trenton's hold-harmless millage with a 2.0 mill sinking fund. Currently, only 23 school districts in Michigan have a hold-harmless millage, and the State is phasing them out due to their instability as revenue sources. Trenton experienced a reduction of over $700,000 in the hold-harmless millage last year, with further declines projected. This reduction limits the school district's ability to maintain, repair, and enhance school facilities and programs.

If voters approve the sinking fund proposal, the hold-harmless millage will no longer be levied. The 2.0 mill sinking fund would require a tax rate increase of 0.52 mills over the current hold harmless tax rate. For the average Trenton homeowner (home with a market value of $200,000), this would result in an approximate increase of $52 per year ($4.33 per month). The sinking fund is projected to generate approximately $352,000 more per year than the existing hold-harmless millage. Ultimately, the sinking fund revenue will be prioritized to support projects falling into three main areas:

• Enhancing safety and security.
• Updating technology.
• Updating infrastructure and equipment supporting the arts.

Detailed information about the ballot proposals will be available soon on the school district’s website (www.trentonschools.com). Superintendent Mentzer assures residents that additional information about the proposals will be sent in the coming weeks. For any immediate questions, residents are encouraged to contact Superintendent Mentzer by phone (734-676-8600) or email ([email protected]).
Trenton Public Schools Board of Education and Superintendent Doug Mentzer thank you for your ongoing support and commitment to the education and well-being of our students.
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Please note that an FAQ is attached, as well as this article will also be featured in the Trenton Times and News-Herald.

trenton_faq_2.27.pdf
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