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Here’s what you need to know before you vote on DPSCD’s tax proposal

July 13, 2026

Detroit Public Schools Community District is asking voters to approve an 18-mill operating millage for 20 years in the August 4 primary election, which would generate approximately $112 million annually for general operating expenses like classroom programming and staff salaries. This request comes after the state eliminated $124 million in operating funds it had been providing to the district since 2016, when lawmakers created DPSCD as a debt-free entity separate from the original Detroit Public Schools, which now exists only to collect tax revenue and pay off old debt. The millage would only affect commercial, rental, and vacation property owners, not primary homeowners, and follows a court ruling that prevented the district from continuing to use the old DPS millage revenue.

Who is affected

  • Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD)
  • DPSCD students (indirectly through potential budget impacts)
  • Owners of commercial property, rental property, and vacation property in Detroit (who would pay the millage)
  • DPSCD Superintendent Nikolai Vitti and district staff
  • Detroit voters (who decide on the millage)
  • Primary homeowners (explicitly NOT affected by this millage)
  • Charter schools (noted as not receiving millage revenue)

What action is being taken

  • DPSCD is seeking an 18-mill operating millage for 20 years
  • The millage proposal is on the ballot for the Aug. 4 primary election
  • Voters are heading to the polls or voting early on this proposal
  • The district is collecting its own operating revenue through this millage requirement

Why it matters

  • This millage is significant because it represents over $100 million in annual operating revenue essential to DPSCD's approximately $1.1 billion budget, covering fundamental expenses like classroom programming, supplies, and staff salaries. The vote is necessary because the state eliminated $124 million in operating funds it had been providing since 2016, and Michigan law requires traditional school districts to levy 18 mills for operating revenue. If voters reject the proposal, the district would face a deficit of $111 million for the 2027-28 school year, potentially jeopardizing basic educational operations and the district's ability to receive its full $10,300 per-student funding allotment from the state. The situation also highlights broader issues with school funding mechanisms in Michigan, particularly the risks associated with relying on local property tax collections rather than guaranteed state funding.

What's next

  • If the millage doesn't pass in the Aug. 4 primary, the district can revive it during the Nov. 3 general election
  • The district could also opt to hold a special election (though this would be costly)
  • If voters don't approve the tax levy by July 1, 2027, the district would face a deficit of $111 million for the 2027-28 school year
  • Superintendent Vitti has raised concerns about collection rates with legislators (though no specific legislative action is stated)

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com