Eastern Upper Peninsula residents will be able to vote on a Career and Technical Education (CTE) millage on May 5 that, if passed, would renew a 1-mill tax originally approved in 2017 for another decade.
Officials with the Eastern Upper Peninsula Intermediate School District (Eastern UP ISD) said the renewal would not create a new tax but would continue to provide career-focused education programs for high school students. Those career tech opportunities include support for skilled trades, health care, manufacturing and other career programs, student transportation to regional CTE sites, work-based learning, job shadowing and industry tours.
The renewal would also support career and technical student organizations and allow students to achieve industry-recognized certifications and credentials.
If approved, the millage would continue that funding without increasing the current tax rate. It specifically impacts 19 school districts in Chippewa, Mackinac and Luce counties, said Eastern UP ISD Superintendent Angie McArthur.
“The millage renewal will continue to support these 19 school districts across 4,000 square miles,” McArthur said. “That includes every district from those with one student to Sault Ste. Marie with more than 2,000.”
Since its approval, the ISD’s CTE program has expanded from about eight programs to roughly 25, giving students across rural districts access to at least two career pathways. That was a stated goal when the millage was first passed in 2016 for the 2017-2026 timeframe.
“(The program) needs to meet the high wage, high demands requirements developed by the state,” said Eastern UP ISD Career Planning District Administrator Tammy Rutledge. Those requirements are based on state and local job projections and needs for the region in the coming years.
The millage renewal will be the only item on the May 5 ballot for most communities, although some school districts have added another issue for a local vote, McArthur said.
“Our hope is that principals and superintendents go back to their communities and district to remind people of the (millage renewal) and inform voters how it supports their students and districts,” she said.
The goal is to ensure every student in the eastern U.P. can gain practical skills, college credits and workforce-ready experience tied to local job needs, Rutledge said. Residents can vote in person or by absentee ballot. Absentee voters can contact their local municipality or township to secure a mail-in or drop-off ballot.
“We believe the renewal is an investment that supports our workforce and economic future,” Rutledge said. “It’s helping to build a pipeline for our employers.”
Learn more by visiting eupschools.org.
This article originally appeared on The Sault News: CTE millage on the May ballot for EUP ISD districts
Reporting by M. Alan Scott, Sault Ste. Marie News / The Sault News
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