Technology & Security Millage

Oakridge Public Schools is tremendously thankful to the voters of Muskegon County who approved the Technology and Security Millage on the May 2, 2023 ballot.  This  renewal proposal nearly doubled voter turnout to almost 22,000 voters when compared to the original 2014 election.  The number of YES votes double to almost 13,000 votes, measuring in at 58% in support.  Keeping this renewal taxpayer friendly, the millage rate will adjust to less than the original 1.0 mill (0.9831), while still providing about $214/pupil for every school across Muskegon County generating about $420,000 for Oakridge!  We will continue to demonstrate transparency and maintain the trust of our community by publishing all investments on this web page. 

THANK YOU for the community’s continued support to improve student safety and technology experiences in our schools for another 10 years.  We will not take this now 20 year commitment for granted!

How Has Oakridge Spent Funds?

Details for how Oakridge has spent these funds since 2014 can be found in the annual accountability reports below.  Here are a few highlighted areas of focus:

Security and Safety

  1. Installed single secure points of entry for elementary and secondary buildings
  2. Expanded key card/fob door access systems
  3. Installed Navigate 360 school safety technology system
  4. Expanded building surveillance cameras, replaced analog cameras with digital (ongoing efforts continue), and replaced 'back end' surveillance software
  5. Upgraded fire alarm/monitoring system and connected to e-911 alerts
  6. Replaced school bus routing software
  7. Expanded parking areas on school property to reduce pedestrian road crossings
  8. Replaced radio system/hardware to improve communication during emergency situations and daily transportation (ongoing expansion planned for buildings)
  9. Secured school buses on school property with protection of lighting, surveillance, fencing, fob access, and asphalt for safety of drivers and buses
  10. Replaced antiquated phone system with digital phone system that can enhance building-wide communication during emergencies and use e911 calls

Technology

  1. Upgraded classroom/workspace technology (computers and digital presentation technology)
  2. Provided training for teachers to facilitate digital learning environments
  3. Maintained Chromebook replacement cycle for all professional staff members 
  4. Expanded Chromebooks toward a 1:1 student to device environment and maintained replacement cycle
  5. Replaced backend software of district website to improve communication efficiencies and mobile phone compatibility and redesigned with new district branding. 
  6. Installed 100,000 ft of network cabling to accommodate increased number of devices
  7. Upgraded network switches from 1gbps to 10gbps
  8. Upgraded WiFi system to support increased number of devices with higher bandwidth needs
  9. Expanded technology support to multi-district consortium
  10. Installed the Schoology Learning Management System and maintain annual renewal subscription
  11. Upgraded PowerSchool Student Information System with online registration features to improve the annual enrollment experience
  12. Acquired digital communication technology equipment 

The approved ballot language can be reviewed here.

Technology & Security Enhancement Millage Accountability Reports

To learn more about how the Technology and Security Enhancement Millage has been a benefit to Oakridge Public Schools, click on the links below to review the Technology and Security 4 Students Accountability Report for each school year, as it provides a summary of expenditures at Oakridge.

2020-2021 Accountability Report

2019-2020 Accountability Report


"We have been blessed with the community's generosity to improve the safety and security of our schools for students and staff.  The technology advancements have had significant impact to students' educational experience," said Tom Livezey, Superintendent of Oakridge Public Schools.

“As voters consider renewing this millage, I’d encourage them to read the accountability reports and see exactly how districts used these funds to upgrade security and technology,” said Matt Cortez, Superintendent for Muskegon Public Schools.

“The partnerships between schools and local law enforcement have increased because of this millage,” said Michael Poulin, Muskegon County Sheriff. 

“The funds from the 2014 millage have allowed us to make significant investments in infrastructure that support the safety and security of our students,” said Bill O’Brien, Superintendent of Mona Shores Public Schools. “According to research, digital literacy is one of the most sought-after skills for future careers. The 2014 millage has allowed us to provide students with access to technology enabling them to develop this critical competency.” 

By law, an Intermediate School District is the only entity able to request or renew a county-wide millage on behalf of local school districts and must distribute the money to the school districts based on student enrollment. For answers to frequently asked questions please visit the MAISD website.