When Proposal A was passed in 1994 in an attempt to equalize school funding across the state and reduce property tax, it changed school funding. It created a guaranteed per-student funding amount for all students across the state. The problem with the new law was that some districts, including Dearborn, received less money per-student than what they were receiving before the passage of the law.
To correct this problem, the state allowed districts to ask voters to approve a Hold Harmless Millage that would make up the difference in funding from the old method to the new method. As required by law, voters must approve a renewal of the Hold Harmless Millage every 10 years.
In 2004, Dearborn voters approved the Hold Harmless Millage, allowing the district to offer new classes, innovative programs and services, and ensure quality classroom instruction. Since then, student success in the district has been recognized many times thanks to the hard work of teachers and the support of the voting community.
Among the recognition the district has recently received:
- All schools are accredited by AdvancED.
- Collegiate Academy received the 2013 Innovative Business of the Year Award.
- Michigan Association of School Administrators named Brian Whiston 2013-14 Superintendent of the Year.
- Dearborn Public Schools was named an Academic State Champion by Bridge Magazine and placed in the top 15 out of more than 500 districts across Michigan.
- Graduation rates at all three high schools exceed state averages and increased by 10 points over the last two years.
- Received Best Communities for Music Education designation from the National Association of Music Merchants Foundation.
- Awarded an Education Excellence Award by the Michigan Association of School Board for the District’s 8-step Plan for improving graduation rates.
- Most dual-enrolled students in Michigan (over 50% of our high school students have taken a dual enrollment class, earning college credit while still in high school and saving on tuition costs.
- New for 2014-15, 6th and 7th grade S.T.E.M. School and the Dearborn Center for Math, Science & Technology (DCMST) now starts in the 8th grade; and addition of the Dearborn Academic Center for Excellence (ACE 8th/9th grade alternative school).
The Hold Harmless RENEWAL will keep the positive momentum and success moving forward. This millage renewal is not a new millage nor is it an increase in what district residents are currently paying. Additional information can be found on a special Hold Harmless Renewal website https://holdharmless.dearbornschools.org/ or by calling the Communications Office at 827-3006.