Overview of Special Education Funding
The Livingston Educational Service Agency (LESA) is asking voters to consider renewing and restoring the 2015 special education millage in November 2024. This funding would not stay with the agency but would be used directly to support and operate center-based programs for students with special needs across Livingston County school districts. The millage helps cover the cost of paraeducators and other resources for the school districts in Livingston County.
Programs & Impact
The special education millage funds a variety of programs including:- Unified Sports Program: Teams for basketball, bocci, pom, and soccer, pairing peers with special needs students through Special Olympics.
- Wrap Program: Work readiness training for high school students, focusing on job skills and community integration.
- Peer-to-Peer Program: Social skills and integration support, pairing general education peers with special education peers.
- START Grant: Autism research and training facilitated by Carrier.
- Assistive Technology: Communication tools and other technology for students with disabilities.
- Hearing Impaired Program: Support for hearing-impaired students, including specialized schools and transportation services.
- Behavioral Support Programs: Smaller classroom settings with paraeducator staff to support students with behavioral needs.
Local Stories
Learn more about the millage and the experiences of those directly impacted by the renewal and restoration:
- Former Students, Now Teaching: Once part of the peer-to-peer program, now teaching special education.
- Co-Teaching Partnerships: Successful collaborations between general and special education teachers in Hartland, Fowlerville, and Brighton.
- Innovative Programs: Sensory rooms, break rooms, and work readiness programs like car detailing, which teach entrepreneurship and job skills.
Get Involved
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a new tax?
It is not a new tax. If voters approve the millage, it would renew and restore the mill rate approved by voters in 2015.
Which students are affected by this millage?
The renewal and restoration would impact all students. The millage would ensure continued funding for special education programs used by more than 3,500 students. It also fills the funding gap left by insufficient federal and state funding that otherwise would be drawn from the general fund, reducing resources for all Livingston students.
Who is asking for the millage?
The Livingston Educational Service Agency (LESA) is asking voters to consider renewing and restoring the special education millage on behalf of Livingston County School Districts to continue funding programs and services for students with special needs.
How would the funds be used?
100% of funds will go to local districts and public school academies for teachers, curriculum materials, and cover the cost of paraeducators and provide essential services like unified sports, work readiness training, peer-to-peer programs, assistive technology, and behavioral support.
What impact does the millage have on our community?
A renewal and restoration would continue to impact our community by funding programs for students with special needs. This would strengthen the overall quality of education and foster a more supportive and integrated community.