Cheboygan Area Schools – Sunday Soup Newsletter - Week of September 28, 2026
November 3 Millage Questions — What You Need to Know: As we approach the November 3, 2026 election, there will be three school-related millage questions affecting our community and region. Cheboygan Area Schools will have two questions on the ballot, while the Cheboygan-Otsego-Presque Isle Educational Service District (COPESD) will have a special education millage renewal question.
CAS Question #1 — Non-Homestead Operating Millage Replacement: This proposal would restore CAS's non-homestead operating millage to 18 mills. This millage applies to non-homestead property, including commercial and industrial property, rental/income property, second homes, and vacant land; it does not apply to a homeowner's principal residence. Due to Headlee limitations, the current rate has been reduced to approximately 17.6589 mills. If the millage is not restored to 18 mills, CAS estimates a reduction of approximately $156,000 in annual operating revenue. These operating funds support the district's day-to-day expenses, including staffing, educational programs, technology, transportation, and other operating costs.
CAS Question #2 — Sinking Fund Millage Replacement: The second CAS proposal would replace the district's existing sinking fund authorization, which expires after 2027, and continue this dedicated funding source for 10 additional years, from 2027 through 2036.
Sinking fund dollars are restricted to eligible capital needs and cannot be used for general operating expenses. They can support projects such as technology replacement, classroom and building improvements, roofs, boilers, HVAC systems, buses and transportation equipment, safety and security improvements, and other facility repairs or replacements. CAS currently receives approximately $500,000 annually through the sinking fund. Essentially, this is a school district's “repairs and maintenance” fund. Without this fund, those costs would have to be deducted from the General Fund.
COPESD Question - Special Education Millage Renewal: Voters will also consider a COPESD special education millage renewal on November 3. This is a renewal of an existing millage, not a new tax. If approved, it would continue funding for special education services across the COPESD region, with a proposed rate of 0.6231 mill for six years, 2027–2032. COPESD reports that the renewal would generate nearly $3 million annually for mandated special education services and programs, with the funds distributed to local districts throughout the region with CAS receiving approximately $500,000 per year.
Our goal is to provide clear, factual information about what each proposal is designed to fund and how the three questions differ. For additional information about the two CAS proposals, including tax-impact information and frequently asked questions, please visit our CAS Millage Information Page: bit.ly/cas-millage26.
Finishing Up September:
September 28 – Cabinet Meeting at 1:00 PM
September 28 – Labor Day Waiver Hearing at 6:15 PM
September 28 – Board Meeting at 7:00 PM
September 30 – Half Day for Students / PD for Teachers – NWEA Training/CPI Training
QUICK LINKS: 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.
This Week's East ELE Construction Update: https://www.chebschools.org/article/3154077
Chartwells Breakfast and Lunch Menu: https://chebschools.nutrislice.com/menu/cheboygan-east/lunch/2026-09-20
Millage News Web Page: https://sites.google.com/chebschools.com/millage26/home?pli=1&authuser=0
New District Cell Phone Policy Information: https://www.chebschools.org/article/3092779
Spencer S. Byrd – Superintendent