Sinking Fund Renewal
Sinking Fund Renewal on the August 4, 2026 Ballot
Wayne-Westland Community Schools will have an initiative on the August 4, 2026, ballot asking voters to consider a renewal of the district’s Sinking Fund.
This proposal does not increase the taxes or extend the time period for the current Sinking Fund. It only updates the authorization date to align with recent changes in Michigan law.
Michigan legislative changes (Senate Bill 63) allow school districts to use renewed or
new Sinking Fund millages to purchase and maintain school buses. This was previously prohibited.
If voters renew the Sinking Fund in August, the district would be able to use these existing, voter-approved funds to replace aging school buses. This proposal is about maximizing existing resources, not raising taxes and ensuring safe, reliable transportation for students while protecting instructional funding.
For more information, contact Jewell Clair, Chief Financial Officer, at 734-419-2694.
Sinking Fund Renewal FAQ
What is on the ballot?
What is on the ballot?
Wayne-Westland Community Schools has placed a Sinking Fund Renewal on the August 4, 2026, ballot. This proposal asks voters to renew the district’s existing Sinking Fund. The ballot language is below:
WAYNE-WESTLAND COMMUNITY SCHOOLS
COUNTY OF WAYNE
STATE OF MICHIGAN
REPLACEMENT BUILDING AND SITE
SINKING FUND MILLAGE PROPOSAL
This proposal will replace the authority last approved by the electors in 2022 and which expires with the 2032 levy for the School District to levy a building and site sinking fund millage. This proposal allows the use of proceeds of the millage for all purposes previously approved by the electors and permitted by law as well as the newly authorized acquisition of student transportation vehicles, trucks and vans. Pursuant to State law, the expenditure of the building and site sinking fund millage proceeds must be audited, and the proceeds cannot be used for teacher, administrator or employee salaries, maintenance or other operating expenses.
As a replacement of existing authority, shall the Wayne-Westland Community Schools, County of Wayne, State of Michigan, be authorized to levy 0.9804 mills ($0.98 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation), for a period of seven (7) years, being the years 2026 to 2032, inclusive, to create a building and site sinking fund to be used for the purchase of real estate for sites, and the construction or repair of school buildings, school security improvements, the acquisition or upgrading of technology, the acquisition of student transportation vehicles, trucks and vans and parts, supplies and equipment used for the maintenance of these vehicles and for any other purposes permitted by law? This millage if approved and levied would provide estimated revenues to the School District of approximately $1,315,750 during the 2026 calendar year.
YES
NO
Will this increase my taxes?
Will this increase my taxes?
No.This proposal does not increase taxes. It continues the current Sinking Fund at the same rate.
Does this extend the length of the Sinking Fund?
Does this extend the length of the Sinking Fund?
No. This renewal does not extend the time period. It updates the authorization date to comply with changes in Michigan law.
Why is the district asking for this renewal now?
Why is the district asking for this renewal now?
Recent changes in Michigan law (Senate Bill 63) allow school districts to use Sinking Fund dollars for student transportation, including the purchase and maintenance of school buses. Updating the authorization allows the district to access this flexibility.
What is a Sinking Fund?
What is a Sinking Fund?
A Sinking Fund is a voter-approved fund that can only be used for specific purposes, such as:
- Building repairs and maintenance
- Safety and security improvements
- Technology infrastructure
- (New) Purchase and maintenance of school buses
Sinking Fund dollars cannot be used for salaries, benefits, or day-to-day operating expenses.
How would the funds be used if the renewal is approved?
How would the funds be used if the renewal is approved?
The district will use these existing, voter-approved funds to replace aging school buses. This proposal is about maximizing existing resources, not raising taxes and ensuring safe, reliable transportation for students while protecting instructional funding.
Why are school buses included now?
Why are school buses included now?
Under the previous law, Sinking Fund dollars could not be used for buses. With the passage of Senate Bill 63, districts may now use these funds for transportation needs if voters approve a renewal or new millage.
If I vote “yes” does this mean I am voting to allow the district to use these funds?
If I vote “yes” does this mean I am voting to allow the district to use these funds?
Correct. A "Yes" vote would authorize Wayne-Westland Community Schools to continue collecting the 0.9667 mill sinking fund tax from 2026 through 2032 and to use those funds for the purposes listed in the proposal.
How does this impact classroom funding?
How does this impact classroom funding?
Using Sinking Fund dollars for infrastructure and transportation helps protect the district’s general fund, which supports:
- Teachers and staff
- Instructional programs
- Classroom resources
When is the election?
When is the election?
Tuesday, August 4, 2026
Where can I find more information?
Where can I find more information?
For additional information, please contact:
Jewell Clair, Chief Financial Officer
734-419-2694