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Letter to the editor: Chelsea Chamber encourages you to vote yes on WISD millage

Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce logoDear Editor:

At their March 17, 2016 meeting, the Board of Directors of the Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce (CACC) unanimously voted to support the Washtenaw Intermediate School District (WISD) 2016 Special Education Millage proposal.

The WISD proposal will be on the May 3, 2016 ballot. The CACC encourages everyone to go to the polls on that day and to vote Yes for the Special Education Millage Renewal proposal.

State and federal funding has not kept pace with increased costs for educating all students, which means that special education funding must come from a voter-approved millage, or local school district general fund budgets, thereby reducing funding available for general education programs for all students. This millage will be directly applied to programs for students with special needs, freeing up equivalent funds in the school’s general operating budget which provides services for all students.

The CACC believes that the Chelsea School District (CSD) has been an exemplary steward of our tax dollars. Equally, the WISD has demonstrated care and fiduciary responsibility in their delivery of Special Education services to the county. The millage proposal of 1.5 mils will ensure the Chelsea School District will be better positioned to meet the standard of education our community expects from CSD.

School funding isn’t just an education issue – it’s a community issue, an economic impact issue and a values issue. Strong schools attract jobs. Businesses desire to locate where there are excellent school systems. If we have a strong public school system, businesses will remain here or locate here because we will have a highly-qualified work force.

The CACC encourages you to Yes for the WISD Special Education Millage Renewal proposal on May 3rd.

Sincerely,
Ian Boone
President
Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce

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