Cheboygan Area Schools – Sunday Soup Newsletter - Week of October 5, 2026
A Big Thank You to Jamie Huber, Regional Superintendent
Jamie Huber was kind enough to attend our last BOE meeting to help explain the COPESD Special Education Millage Renewal that will appear on the November 3 ballot.
This proposal is a renewal of an existing millage, not a new tax. If approved, the proposed rate would be 0.6231 mill for six years, 2027–2032. COPESD reports that the renewal would generate approximately $2.99 million annually for mandated special education services and programs.
Historically, Cheboygan Area Schools has received approximately $500,000 annually from this funding source to support our Special Education programming. These funds provide important support for the services we provide to our students with disabilities.
Thank you again, Jamie, for helping us better understand this regional question and the role these funds play in supporting Special Education services throughout our region.
COPESD Question — Special Education Millage Renewal
The COPESD proposal would renew an existing Special Education millage at 0.6231 mill for six years, 2027–2032. COPESD states that the millage provides dedicated local funding for mandated Special Education services and programs, with the revenue distributed to local school districts throughout the region.
The funds can support services such as specialized instructional support, classroom and behavioral supports, early intervention, specialized transportation, equipment, and transition programming.
Understanding the COPESD SPED Renewal Rate of 0.6231 Mill:
One mill equals $1 for every $1,000 of taxable property value. Your taxable value is generally related to, but not necessarily identical to, one-half of a property's current market value.
For example, if a property has a taxable value of $150,000 (for a $300,000 house):
$150,000 ÷ $1,000 = 150
150 × $0.6231 = $93.47
Therefore, the estimated annual tax associated with the proposed COPESD renewal would be approximately $93.47 for a property with a $150,000 taxable value.
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.
CAS Question #1 — Non-Homestead Operating Millage Replacement:
This proposal would restore CAS's non-homestead operating millage to 18 mills. Due to Headlee limitations, CAS's current rate has been reduced to approximately 17.6589 mills. If the millage is not restored, CAS estimates a reduction of approximately $156,000 in annual operating revenue.
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.
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 an additional 10 years, from 2027 through 2036. Sinking fund dollars are restricted to eligible capital needs and cannot be used for general operating expenses. Essentially, the sinking fund serves as the district's repairs and maintenance fund. CAS currently receives approximately $500,000 annually through the sinking fund.
Welcome October!
October 5 – COPESD Regional Sup Meeting @ 10:00 AM
October 6 – BP-Only Meeting @ 10:00 AM
October 7 – SL Weekly Zoom Meeting @ 11:00 AM
October 8 – Truancy/Attendance Meeting @ 10:00 AM
October 14 – SL Weekly Zoom Meeting @ 11:00 AM
October 15 – Safety Team Meeting @ 5:00 PM
October 15 – Athletic Committee Meeting @ 6:00 PM
October 20 – Finance Committee Meeting @ 10:00 AM
October 20 – Policy Committee Meeting @ 2:30 PM
October 20 – Curriculum Committee Meeting @ 3:45 PM
October 20 - Millage Open House in the HS Auditorium @ 6:30 PM
October 21 – SL Weekly Zoom Meeting @ 11:00 AM
October 21/22 – Talent Together Conference
October 22 – COPESD CTE Steering Comm Meeting @ 1:00 PM
October 23 – ½ Day for Students / PD Afternoon for Teachers
October 23 – Post Agenda
October 26 – Cabinet Meeting
October 26 – BOE Meeting
October 28 – SL Weekly Zoom Meeting @ 11:00 AM
October 31 – Halloween
Spencer S. Byrd – Superintendent