District asks voters to consider renewal proposals that would maintain current school tax rates while supporting essential operations and the next chapter of campus improvements
The Hemlock Public School District Board of Education has approved two proposals that will appear on the Tuesday, November 3, 2026, general election ballot. If approved by voters, both proposals are structured to maintain the District's current school tax rates while supporting two essential priorities: protecting the financial resources that fund daily school operations and continuing strategic investments in school facilities, safety, and infrastructure.
Although the proposals will appear on the same ballot, they serve two distinctly different purposes. One proposal would renew the District's non-homestead operating millage, while the second would authorize a tax-neutral bond proposal to continue improving District facilities and preparing for future enrollment growth.
District leaders say the proposals reflect a philosophy that has guided Hemlock Public School District for years: make thoughtful decisions, plan for the future, and remain responsible stewards of the community's investment.
"Every decision we make begins with one question," Superintendent Don Killingbeck said. "How do we provide the very best opportunities for students while honoring the trust our community places in us? These proposals reflect years of careful planning, sound financial management, and a commitment to maintaining the high-quality educational experience our families expect without increasing the District's current school tax rates."
Over the past decade, Hemlock Public School District has transformed its campus through a combination of voter support, competitive grants, private donations, and disciplined financial planning. Projects such as the Lockwood STEM Center, Patrick Wolgast Fieldhouse, Wallace Field, the Don Krueger Track, the Hemlock Performing Arts Center, expanded safety and security improvements, and numerous classroom renovations have strengthened educational opportunities while creating spaces that serve students, families, and the broader community.
District officials say the November proposals represent the next step in that long-term vision.
Protecting Essential Operating Revenue
One of the proposals would renew the District's non-homestead operating millage.
Under Michigan's school funding system, public school districts must levy an operating millage on commercial, industrial, rental, second-home, and other non-homestead properties in order to receive their full per-pupil funding. The renewal would not apply to owner-occupied primary residences.
If approved, the renewal would continue generating nearly $3 million annually that is already built into the District's operating budget. Those dollars support classroom instruction, educational programs, transportation, student services, technology, utilities, staffing, and the day-to-day operations of Hemlock Public School District.
"This proposal simply continues a critical source of operating revenue that supports the work taking place in our classrooms every day," Killingbeck said. "Without it, the District would lose millions of dollars that directly impact the educational opportunities we provide our students."
Continuing to Invest in the Future
The other proposal would authorize a tax-neutral bond proposal that would allow Hemlock Public School District to continue investing in its facilities and campus infrastructure while maintaining the District's current debt tax rate.
If approved, bond proceeds would be used for projects that include enhancing school safety and security, expanding classroom space to accommodate continued enrollment growth in the District's kindergarten through eighth-grade buildings, improving campus connectivity and traffic flow, updating building infrastructure, and supporting eligible technology, transportation, furnishings, and equipment.
By law, bond funds are restricted to capital improvements and cannot be used for salaries, employee benefits, or general operating expenses.
"Our responsibility extends beyond meeting today's needs," Killingbeck said. "We also have to prepare for where our District will be five, ten, and twenty years from now. These investments help ensure our students learn in safe, modern, and adaptable environments while preserving the facilities our community has entrusted to us."
A Record of Stewardship
Board President Matt Wesener said the proposals reflect the District's continued commitment to balancing fiscal responsibility with long-term planning.
"Our Board takes seriously the responsibility that comes with asking our community to consider any ballot proposal," Wesener said. "We have worked diligently to manage taxpayer resources wisely, pursue grants and partnerships whenever possible, and invest strategically in projects that strengthen educational opportunities for students while serving our entire community. These proposals continue that balanced approach by maintaining current school tax rates while allowing important work to move forward."
A Commitment to Transparency
Over the coming months, Hemlock Public School District will provide residents with detailed information about each proposal through community presentations, printed materials, frequently asked questions, videos, social media, and the District's website.
District leaders emphasize that the goal is to ensure every voter has the information necessary to make an informed decision.
"We believe informed communities make the best decisions," Killingbeck said. "Whether someone ultimately supports or opposes these proposals, they deserve clear, factual, and transparent information. That is our commitment throughout this process."
Additional information, including project details, financial information, frequently asked questions, and election resources, will be available in the coming weeks through the Hemlock Public School District website and official District communication channels.
About Hemlock Public School District
Hemlock Public School District serves more than 1,300 students in preschool through grade 12 and is committed to preparing every student for success through innovative learning opportunities, meaningful partnerships, and a culture of continuous improvement. Guided by its mission to Innovate, Collaborate, and Educate, the District continues to demonstrate that a small community can provide extraordinary opportunities for students while remaining a responsible steward of public resources.
Small Town. Big Opportunities.
For additional information about the November ballot proposals, visit the Hemlock Public Schools election webpage or contact the district office.