Cheboygan Area Schools – Sunday Soup Newsletter
Week of September 14, 2026
TWO MILLAGE QUESTIONS ON BALLOT — WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
As we prepare for the November 3, 2026, election, Cheboygan Area Schools would like to provide some clarification about the two millage questions that will appear on the ballot. While both questions involve school funding, they serve two very different purposes.
QUESTION #1 – NON-HOMESTEAD OPERATING MILLAGE REPLACEMENT:
This proposal would restore the district’s non-homestead operating millage to 18 mills. This millage applies to non-homestead property such as commercial and industrial property, rental/income property, second homes, and vacant land. It does not apply to a homeowner’s primary residence.
Due to Headlee tax limitations, CAS’s non-homestead operating millage has been reduced from 18 mills to approximately 17.6589 mills. If the district does not restore the millage, CAS estimates it would lose approximately $156,000 annually in operating revenue.
These funds support the district’s day-to-day operations, including staffing, educational programs, technology, transportation, and other operating expenses.
QUESTION #2 – SINKING FUND MILLAGE REPLACEMENT:
The second proposal would replace CAS’s existing sinking fund authorization, which is set to expire after 2027. The replacement would continue this dedicated funding source for another 10 years, from 2027 through 2036.
Sinking fund dollars are restricted and cannot be used for general operating expenses. They can be used for capital needs such as:
• Replacing aging technology
• Classroom and building improvements
• Roofs, boilers, HVAC, and other facility needs• School buses and transportation-related equipment
• Security and safety improvements
• Unexpected facility repairs and replacements
The current sinking fund generates approximately $500,000 annually for these types of capital needs. Without the replacement, the district would lose that dedicated funding source.
WHY ARE THERE TWO QUESTIONS?
The two millages are not interchangeable. The operating millage helps fund the district’s day-to-day operations, while the sinking fund is restricted to eligible capital needs and improvements.
We encourage our families, staff, and community members to take the time to understand both proposals before heading to the polls.
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Polls are open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM.
For additional information, including voting details, tax impact information, and frequently asked questions, please visit the CAS millage information page: bit.ly/cas-millage26.
CAS WELCOMES NEW INTERIM CIS PRINCIPAL DR. BOTBYL!
Please welcome Dr. Dave Botbyl as our new CIS Interim Principal. Please note that Dr. Botbyl’s last name is pronounced “Bot-Bill.”
Dr. Botbyl brings a wealth of educational leadership experience to CAS. Most recently, he served as an Interim K-12 Principal at Leland Public School, where he led day-to-day operations and worked closely with staff, students, and families. Dr. Botbyl holds an Ed.D. in Educational Leadership from Wilkes University, a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Supervision from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, and a bachelor’s degree from Central Michigan University.
Welcome aboard, Dr. Botbyl!
WHAT WAS ACCOMPLISHED THIS SUMMER AT EAST ELEMENTARY?
There is no question that a tremendous amount of work was completed at East Elementary this summer! This project has required a tremendous amount of coordination and hard work, and I want to recognize all of the contractors, tradespeople, staff, and project partners who helped get us to this point.
Some of the major improvements completed this summer include:
• Entirely new roof installed
• New exterior metal panels installed
• 11 new classroom restrooms installed
• New whiteboards and tack boards installed in every classroom
• New wood doors and frames installed in each classroom
• New luxury vinyl flooring installed
• Drywall work completed around classroom windows
• Old stage removed and a new block wall constructed
• New classroom unit ventilators and heating controls installed
• Gymnasium painted and updated
• New voice-activated fire alarm system installed
• Two new boilers installed
• Two new air handlers installed
• New mechanical room/mezzanine constructed
• Heating system updated to provide a more efficient system
In addition to these major improvements, crews completed final cleaning, paint touch-ups, and parking lot cleanup in preparation for the start of school.
WHAT’S NEXT?
While the portions of the building that opened for school are ready, construction will continue in the remaining areas of the project. Upcoming work includes:
• Final drywall work in the corridor construction area
• Preparation for steel erection
• Final inspection of the two boilers
• Underground plumbing and electrical work for the addition
• Interior backfill and compaction
• Concrete slab installation
We appreciate the tremendous effort of our contractors, tradespeople, staff, and project partners throughout this project. Most importantly, East Elementary passed all required inspections, allowing us to open on time last week and welcome our students back to school!
This has been a major project, and we are excited about what the completed East Elementary will provide for our students and staff for many years to come.
LOOKING AHEAD IN SEPTEMBER…
September is always a busy month in a school district, and this year is no exception! As we get the 2026–27 school year underway, there are several important items happening across Cheboygan Area Schools.
As we look ahead, here is what I have for September:
September 14 – COPESD Superintendent Meeting @ 10:00 AM
September 15 – BP Only Meeting @ 10:00 AM
September 16 – SL Zoom Meeting @ 11:00 AM
September 17 – Safety Team Meeting @ 5:00 PM
September 17 – Athletic Committee Meeting @ 6:00 PM – Canceled
September 21 – Athletic Committee Meeting @ 6:00 PM – Rescheduled
September 22 – Finance Committee Meeting @ 10:00 AM
September 22 – Policy Committee Meeting @ 2:30 PM
September 22 – Curriculum Committee Meeting @ 3:45 PM
September 22 – Millage Community Information Night @ 6:00 PM
September 23 – MASA Superintendent Conference
September 25 – Post Agenda
September 28 – Cabinet Meeting @ 1:00 PM
September 28 – Labor Day Waiver Hearing @ 6:15 PM
September 28 – Board Meeting @ 7:00 PM
September 30 – Half Day for Students / PD for Teachers – SPED Prezi – COPESD
As always, we encourage our families and community members to stay connected with CAS throughout the school year. Board meeting information, district updates, athletic schedules, school events, and other important information can be found on our district website and through our regular communications.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK…
“The way to get started is to stop talking and start doing.” — Walt Disney
There is something special about the beginning of a new school year. The planning is done, the classrooms are ready, our students are back, and it is time to get to work. Every school year gives us a fresh opportunity to set new goals, try new things, learn from the past, and get better.
So, let’s start strong. Let’s get to work. And let’s make 2026–27 a great year at Cheboygan Area Schools!
Spencer S. Byrd, Ed.S., CSBO, CAA, CO
Superintendent
Cheboygan Area Schools