Three candidates vying for two school board seats will be on the May 3 Lake Orion School District election ballot.
Newcomer Steve Lawless of Aldrin Drive and incumbent Jim Weidman of Browning Drive are seeking a four year term. Weidman has been on the school board for four years.
Bill Walters, who was appointed to replace Lori Penman last fall, has no competition for a partial term that will end June 30, 2006.
School district officials will also be asking for a restoration of an operating millage that expired in 2004. A yes vote will allow the district to continue to levy 18 mills ($18 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) on non-homestead and non-qualified agricultural property (businesses, rental property and second homes in the school district.
By law, all school districts are entitled to levy 18 mills against non-homestead property.
The last voter approved renewal of this millage took place in 1994. If the request passes this time it will last until 2015.
The school district will collect approximately $9.3 million if the millage is approved and levied in 2005.
According to LO School Superintendent Dr. Craig Younkman, the operating millage proposal will cost homestead property owners (primary residence in lake Orion) nothing.