February tends to make us think of cold, winter weather and maybe Valentine’s Day.But for the first time this year, we can also think of elections.
Michigan law changed last year to move the presidential primary from March into February. The law also changed to allow Michigan voters for the first time to have Early Voting. This month voters can cast their ballots at a special polling place from Feb. 17 to 25.
Schools will be closed on Feb. 27 for the actual election because many of our schools serve as polling places.
Early Voting in Dearborn will be held at the Ford Community and Performing Arts Center and will not affect the school schedule.
Besides the presidential primary, two local questions will also be on the ballot. Dearborn Public Schools is asking voters for an Operating Millage Renewal.
The Operating Millage has been in place since Proposal A changed school funding in 1994. This money is used for regular expenses including staffing, supplies, utility bills, busing and extracurricular activities.
The Operating Millage Renewal is not a new tax, and it is not a bond for new building construction or renovations.
If the Milage is not renewed, the district would fall to one of the lowest per pupil funding revenues in the state and be forced to make cuts across most schools and programs.