Voters to decide on Ironwood schools millage renewal

By RICHARD JENKINS

[email protected]

Ironwood -- Among the items voters within the boundaries of the Ironwood Area Schools district will be deciding in the Nov. 3 election is a renewal of the district’s operating millage.

The ballot measure asks voters to renew the existing millage rate of 18 mills, which translates to $18 per every $1,000 of taxable value.

“This proposal will allow our schools to levy a statutory rate of 18 mills on all property, except principal residences -- so not your (primary) house,” Ironwood Superintendent Travis Powell said at the district’s Monday board meeting during a presentation on why the millage matters.

He also said the rate included on the ballot is the same as the district’s current millage.

“This is not an increase in taxes, this is not a new levy. This is a renewal,” Powell said.

The millage accounts for roughly 23% of the district’s annual budget, according to information from the district, and the district would lose approximately $1,838,441 in funds if the measure fails.

Powell called the measure “vital” to the district Monday, with information from the district specifying the state wouldn’t make up the lost revenue if the measure doesn’t pass.

“Ironwood Area Schools of Gogebic County needs every dollar it can generate in order to continue to provide all students with a quality education. Our goal at IAS is to provide the best educational environment and opportunities possible for our community’s children,” a district spokesperson said. “We wish to thank members of our school community for their ongoing support and investment in our youth.”

The proposed renewal would run for four years and expire in 2024.

The district’s operating millage was last renewed in 2016.