Plymouth-Canton Community Schools Board approves vital millage request for November ballot

Plymouth-Canton Community Schools Board

approves vital millage request for November ballot

Proposed sinking fund would help P-CCS improve safety without new debt

 

CANTON, Michigan – The Plymouth-Canton Community Schools (P-CCS) Board of Education has voted to place a 1.5-mill sinking fund proposal on the November 2026 ballot, giving voters the opportunity to invest in building maintenance, safety, and modernization of district schools and grounds.

If approved by voters, the 10-year sinking fund would generate approximately $13.5 million annually to support critical building repairs, infrastructure improvements, technology upgrades, and safety enhancements without the district taking on any new debt.

A sinking fund is a dedicated property tax authorized under Michigan law that may be used only for capital improvements, such as repairing and renovating school buildings, replacing roofs, upgrading heating and cooling systems, improving security, and modernizing technology infrastructure. Unlike a bond, a sinking fund does not allow a district to borrow money and pay interest over time, making it a fiscally responsible way to address ongoing facility needs while preserving operating dollars for teaching and learning.

"This is an exciting opportunity for our community to make a lasting investment in the future of Plymouth-Canton Community Schools," said P-CCS Board President Anupam Chugh Sidhu. "Our schools are among our community's greatest assets, and this proposal would help ensure our students continue learning in safe, modern, and well-maintained environments for years to come. We look forward to engaging with our community, answering questions, and providing clear information about what this proposal would mean for our schools."

By funding eligible capital projects through a sinking fund, P-CCS would be able to preserve more of its general operating budget for classroom instruction, student programming, career and technical education, and other educational services that directly support student success.

"A sinking fund represents a smart, responsible investment in our students and our community," said Dr. Monica L. Merritt, Superintendent of Plymouth-Canton Community Schools. "Our community has consistently demonstrated its commitment to educational excellence, and this proposal provides another opportunity to protect that investment. From improving roofs and parking lots to updating technology that supports teaching and learning, these funds would help us maintain learning environments that prepare every student to learn, prepare, and thrive."

As with all district finances, expenditures from the sinking fund would be subject to independent annual audits, and detailed financial information would be publicly available to ensure transparency and accountability.

If approved, P-CCS would join many neighboring school districts that have successfully used sinking funds to address ongoing capital needs, including projects such as roof replacements, plumbing and electrical upgrades, heating, ventilation and air conditioning improvements, security camera expansions, secure entrances, emergency communication systems, and technology infrastructure replacements.

The proposed 1.5-mill sinking fund would cost approximately $25 per month for a home with a taxable value of $200,000 (market value of $400,000) or $300 per year. Additional information about the proposed sinking fund, including frequently asked questions and allowable uses of the funds, will be available on the district's website as the November election approaches.