$120 million is on the line in DPSCD’s tax proposal. Unofficial results show it could pass

August 5, 2026

Detroit Public Schools Community District's operating millage measure is on track to pass with approximately 81% voter approval based on early unofficial results, which would secure about $120 million in annual operating revenue for the district. The millage became necessary after a court ruling ended the old Detroit Public Schools entity's ability to collect operating taxes once its debt is paid off in September. While the $120 million represents only a portion of the district's $1.

Who is affected

Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD)
Approximately 83,982 Detroit voters who participated
DPSCD students (through the $2,400 per-pupil funding)
DPSCD staff whose salaries depend on operating funds
Owners of commercial property, rental property, and vacation property in Detroit (who will pay the tax)
Detroit Public Schools (the old entity that will cease collecting operating millage)
Superintendent Nikolai Vitti and district administration

What action is being taken

Wayne County is counting ballots from 402 voting precincts in the city
The Detroit Public Schools Community District is collecting votes on the millage proposal

Why it matters

The $120 million in operating revenue is critical to DPSCD's ability to function, representing $2,400 of the $10,300 per-pupil funding the district receives from the state. Without this millage approval, the district would lack essential funding for classroom programming, supplies, and staff salaries that are necessary for day-to-day school operations. The measure became necessary due to a court decision ending the old Detroit Public Schools' operating millage collection, creating a funding gap that could significantly impact educational quality and district operations if not filled.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: bridgedetroit.com