First light shone on new millage

At the Jan. 9 Clarkston School Board meeting, the board moved one step closer to finalizing their proposal for a non-homestead tax.
After lengthy discussion, the school board agreed to pursue approval for a non-homestead millage renewal in the district, estimated to be 19.2491 mills combined, for a period of 10 years. However, the district is only allowed to collect 18 mills annually by law. If approved, the millage would be in effect until 2015, but due to Headlee rollback, the board could possibly seek additional renewals in the next 2-4 years in order to keep the millage rate at or above 18 mills.
The board opted not to include a second proposal asking for an additional 4.5 ‘restoration? mills for a period of ten years. Vice President Stephen Hyer and Trustee John Koval supported adding the second proposal, but several board members raised concerns over the length of the proposal.President Karen Foyteck voiced her concern over the potential confusion caused by adding the second proposal to the ballot.
(Please see page 6A for The Clarkston News? opinion on the topic.)
Other business from the Jan. 9 meeting includes:
? The addition of two new classes into the health and sexuality curriculum regarding adoption and safe delivery.
? A single, four-year term seat on the Clarkston School Board is open for the May 2 election. Secretary Sheila Hughes? term is set to expire at that time.
Candidates who wish to seek office at the election must file an Affidavit of Identity and a nominating petition with Oakland County by 4 p.m. on Feb. 7. A $100 nonrefundable fee may be filed in lieu of the nominating petition. Withdrawal deadline is 4 p.m. on Feb 10.