Technology & Security Millage
The eleven local Boards of Education from Muskegon County school districts have unanimously asked the Muskegon Area Intermediate School District to renew the Regional Enhancement Millage for Technology & Security on May 2, 2023.
In 2014, Muskegon County voters approved a 1.0 mill rate to support school safety, security, and technology. This millage provides local school districts with the funds to improve the security and technology in their facilities. Districts have the flexibility to decide how to allocate the funds to best meet their individual needs.
On May 2, 2023, voters will consider this ballot proposal at a rate of 0.9831 mill for a period of 10 years, 2024 to 2033. The actual ballot language is provided below.
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
- Installed single secure points of entry for elementary and secondary buildings
- Expanded key card/fob door access systems
- Installed Navigate 360 school safety technology system
- Expanded building surveillance cameras, replaced analog cameras with digital (ongoing efforts continue), and replaced 'back end' surveillance software
- Upgraded fire alarm/monitoring system and connected to e-911 alerts
- Replaced school bus routing software
- Expanded parking areas on school property to reduce pedestrian road crossings
- Replaced radio system/hardware to improve communication during emergency situations and daily transportation (ongoing expansion planned for buildings)
- Secured school buses on school property with protection of lighting, surveillance, fencing, fob access, and asphalt for safety of drivers and buses
- Replaced antiquated phone system with digital phone system that can enhance building-wide communication during emergencies and use e911 calls
Technology
- Upgraded classroom/workspace technology (computers and digital presentation technology)
- Provided training for teachers to facilitate digital learning environments
- Maintained Chromebook replacement cycle for all professional staff members
- Expanded Chromebooks toward a 1:1 student to device environment and maintained replacement cycle
- Replaced backend software of district website to improve communication efficiencies and mobile phone compatibility and redesigned with new district branding.
- Installed 100,000 ft of network cabling to accommodate increased number of devices
- Upgraded network switches from 1gbps to 10gbps
- Upgraded WiFi system to support increased number of devices with higher bandwidth needs
- Expanded technology support to multi-district consortium
- Installed the Schoology Learning Management System and maintain annual renewal subscription
- Upgraded PowerSchool Student Information System with online registration features to improve the annual enrollment experience
- Acquired digital communication technology equipment
Ballot Language
The approved ballot language can be reviewed via this link.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
For answers to frequently asked questions about the May 2023 renewal request, please visit the link below:
Technology & Security Enhancement Millage Accountability Reports
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
2018-2019 Accountability Report
2017-2018 Accountability Report
2016-2017 Accountability Report
Quotes Across Muskegon County
"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.”
Legal Note
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: https://www.muskegonisd.org/about/techsecurity-millage/
