Advertisement The reason for the needed revenue stems from the difference between what the state allows schools to raise through taxes and state aid — on average 2.4 percent per year — and the increase in fixed costs of goods and services — on average of about 5.6 percent per year. The revenues cannot be generated under this state formula to sustain our current educational programs and services to the children and families of the district.
In order to balance ongoing expenses with limited revenues, the school district has two options. One option is to acquire the needed revenue by passing a referendum. The other is to further reduce our expenses by cutting educational programs, services to children, and staff.
After a similar referendum failed last spring, the school board approved $299,895 in budget cuts. Those cuts created a negative impact on programs and services for our children. The budget cuts included:
In addition, students now pay for non-curricular field trips, athletes are charged a participation fee, two school vans were sold, the Michigan loader and old shop machines were sold and staff development opportunities were limited.
Clearly, the budget cuts affected the quality of educational opportunities for our children.
During the past five years about 250 school districts across the state held referendums to get the needed money to operate their schools. This year alone, reports show 38 schools either going to referendum or cutting educational programs and services for children in order to make ends meet. Even though the revenue limit law places unwelcome stress upon schools, we all need to know that Lincoln Schools benefit from the funding formula — the state this year provides 85 percent of the costs of operating our schools — that's wonderful!
The Alma Center-Humbird-Merrillan School District has a long history of educational excellence for our children. It has an equally long history of the community supporting its schools. We have wonderful children, supportive parents, well-educated and talented teachers, caring and nurturing support personnel and dedicated, caring bus drivers.
School facilities and transportation resources are well maintained protecting our investment. Our students always rank above the state average on concepts examinations and reading tests. We provide a wide range of high quality education and growth experiences to meet the needs of all the children we serve. School activities are well attended and supported. Lincoln Schools are the center of much activity in our community which provides a community identity and quality of life which we appreciate and are very grateful — "Lincoln Schools — the Best Place to Learn!"
A passed referendum will raise our school taxes. Understandably, no one is interested in seeing our taxes go up. However, our mill rate has dropped continually from $17.98 in 1997 down to the current $9.48. The rate will drop even further because this year's state aid increase to schools is being returned to taxpayers in the school tax credit. Passing this four year referendum will cost about $13 per month for the first year while reducing to $2 per month for the following three years on a $75,000 home.
The school board will be sending out more information about the referendum to residents before the election. The board will make community presentations at three locations:
Bob Lambert, Superintendent AC-H-M school district
Advertisement 
