Oakland County Regional Enhancement Millage Frequently Asked Questions - NEW
![Promotional banner for the Regional Enhancement Millage Proposal for Oakland County, featuring the tagline "Elevating Every Student" in script text against a n…Promotional banner for the Regional Enhancement Millage Proposal for Oakland County, featuring the tagline "Elevating Every Student" in script text against a navy and gold background. Three smiling children stand together on the right side of the image.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1782320020/berkleyschoolsorg/li4ldblamcohosuc1wmd/f49628f5-945f-4d61-be83-ac7ca0e336f5-ocre_millage_1.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1782320020/berkleyschoolsorg/li4ldblamcohosuc1wmd/f49628f5-945f-4d61-be83-ac7ca0e336f5-ocre_millage_1.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1782320020/berkleyschoolsorg/li4ldblamcohosuc1wmd/f49628f5-945f-4d61-be83-ac7ca0e336f5-ocre_millage_1.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1782320020/berkleyschoolsorg/li4ldblamcohosuc1wmd/f49628f5-945f-4d61-be83-ac7ca0e336f5-ocre_millage_1.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1782320020/berkleyschoolsorg/li4ldblamcohosuc1wmd/f49628f5-945f-4d61-be83-ac7ca0e336f5-ocre_millage_1.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1782320020/berkleyschoolsorg/li4ldblamcohosuc1wmd/f49628f5-945f-4d61-be83-ac7ca0e336f5-ocre_millage_1.jpg","width":2200}])
The August 4th ballot will include a proposal for a county-wide Regional Enhancement Millage. If approved by Oakland County voters, the proposal would levy 1.5 mills for six years to provide additional funding to all public school districts and eligible public school academies in Oakland County.
Why can’t districts do their own operating enhancement millage? Why does it have to be county-wide?
After Proposal A passed in 1994, local school districts were only allowed to request funding from their school district residents for the following reasons:
- Standing operating millage, capped at 18 mills. This funding is included in the formula for how schools receive their per-student allocations, and is levied on non-homestead properties only.
- Asking voters for approval to levy mills for debt (i.e., capital outlay to build or renovate facilities, instructional technology, equipment, furniture, site improvements)
- Asking voters for approval for a sinking fund (i.e., purchase of land for future building projects, construction/repair, security, instructional technology)
State code does allow voters to enhance funding for local school operations on an Intermediate School District-wide basis only, which is referred to as a Regional Enhancement Millage. State code prohibits individual school districts from raising funds for operational costs above the standard 18 mills.
Berkley Schools Impact
If approved on the August 4, 2026 ballot, the top priority for Berkley Schools would be to invest the additional funds in attracting new staff members and retaining our outstanding staff. If the Millage passes, the Board of Education has committed to use 90% of the funding for staffing. Additional priorities include: maintaining small class sizes, supporting social and emotional well-being, closing special education funding gaps, and more.
Additional information regarding the millage, including a tax calculator and a FAQ page, can be found on the Oakland County Regional Enhancement Millage website.
If you have any questions regarding the Regional Enhancement Millage, please email communications@berkleyschools.org.