The bill amends the Revised School Code of 1976 to update the classification and powers of school districts in Michigan, specifically reclassifying previously organized primary or lower-class districts as general powers school districts. This change grants these districts a wider range of rights and responsibilities, allowing them to engage in various educational activities, including preschool and adult education, and to manage staff. The bill also introduces provisions for cooperative agreements with other entities and outlines the governance structure for school boards, including election processes and member terms.
Additionally, the bill modifies tax provisions related to school district property and sinking funds. It exempts property used for housing public school employees from taxation and expands the allowable uses for sinking fund taxes to include school security improvements and technology upgrades. The bill establishes a 19 mill tax limitation for sinking fund tax levies and mandates annual independent audits of fund usage, with penalties for misuse. It also details the process for proposing sinking fund taxes to voters, defines permissible expenditures, and grants residents the right to sue school districts for compliance with these provisions.
Statutes affected: Senate Introduced Bill: 380.11