Building And Site Sinking Fund

thank youi

November 9, 2022

Thank you, Royal Oak Schools Families, for taking the time to vote in Tuesday’s election and approving the renewal of our Building and Site Sinking Fund (BSSF). 

“I am very pleased, once again, to have the support of this community for our amazing school district. The Building and Site Sinking Fund will allow us to make the repairs needed to ensure we maintain facilities to match our great programs. Thank you to the residents and voters of Royal Oak.”

Sinking Funds allow for continued investment in our school buildings, safety, and technology. These funds guarantee dollars for facility improvements, protecting the investment the community has made in the district.  This Sinking Fund will generate money for technology advances in our classrooms and instructional aids for our teaching staff, as well as provide money for safety improvements and more.

The link below has the election results for Oakland County. As you scroll down, you will see the Royal Oak Schools Board of Education election results. The terms for these seats will begin on January 1, 2023. 

https://results.enr.clarityelections.com/MI/Oakland/115636/

The winners of the three seats were: 

Michelle Cook

Deborah Anderson

Lauren Jasinski

We congratulate the winners as they make a commitment to serve our educational community. We would also like to thank Charlie Gandy-Thompson for her willingness to serve the district and her dedication to public education by being a candidate in this election. 

Thank you to Marty Cardamone and Allison Sykes for their commitment to the district while serving their respective terms. 

Mary Beth Fitzpatrick
Superintendent Royal Oak Schools

BUILDING AND SITE SINKING FUND RENEWAL INFORMATION
Posted on 10/07/2022

This section of the website contains details about the Building and Site Sinking Fund (BSSF) Ballot Proposal, cost, ballot language, and frequently asked questions.

SINKING FUND BALLOT PROPOSAL DETAILS

Royal Oak Schools has determined that in order to continue to improve and repair its facilities, it is necessary to ask the voters to vote on a renewal of the sinking fund millage. See full ballot language with this link.

Sinking Funds allow for continued investment in our school buildings, safety, and technology. These funds guarantee dollars for facility improvements, protecting the investment the community has made in the district.

2022 BSSF Important Facts:
 

  • Election Date: November 8, 2022
  • 1 mill to levy on all properties in the district for 10 years
  • If passed, will generate $3,434,697 during the first year

What Is A Building And Site Sinking Fund?
 

  • A Sinking Fund is a savings account into which a local school district can deposit voter-approved local millage revenue to pay cash for projects or repairs.
  • A Sinking Fund millage is a limited property tax, considered a "pay-as-you-go" method for funding building maintenance and infrastructure projects. No debt or interest expense is incurred with a Sinking Fund.
  • This Sinking Fund will generate money for technology advances in our classrooms and instructional aids for our teaching staff.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have any additional questions? Email Amy Murphy and they'll be added to this page.

 

Will tax rates increase if these proposals are passed?

The new BSSF will restore the levy to 1 mill, as first passed in 2012 In order to do so, the increase over what is being levied today is roughly $7.60 per $100,000 of taxable value.

Can BSSF funds be used for technology?

Yes. BSSF funds can now include technology that was not allowable under the law when the 2010 initiative was approved.

Can BSSF funds be used to pay wages and benefits for employees?

No. It is not an allowable use of BSSF.

What typical projects would be included?

Items typically in this scope of work include safety upgrades and enhancements, roof, paving, building envelope (e.g. brick, windows, doors), HVAC, fencing and lighting.

Why is the Sinking Fund on the ballot now?

In November 2012, the sinking fund was approved for 10 years. July 2022 was the last time Royal Oak Schools was able to levy this millage. In order to levy the millage in July of 2023, we need to have it renewed at this time. This renewal also makes it possible to include technology, which is a new allowable use.

Have budget proposals been developed as to what Sinking Fund money would specifically pay for?

Yes. We have compiled a Sinking Fund wish list of projects via the Finance and Facility Board of Education committee, as well as items from building and program administrators, that will potentially be paid for from the BSSF funds. If we do not have BSSF funds, these critical projects will need to be paid for by our General Fund, which will put a strain on other programs already in our budget.

What can Sinking Fund dollars be used for?

Under current law, Sinking Fund dollars may be used for the construction or repair of school buildings and facilities, acquiring or installing instructional technology and infrastructure (wiring or materials for installation), and security equipment. Sinking Fund dollars cannot pay for salaries, benefits, or classroom supplies.

What differentiates classroom supplies (not allowed) from instructional technology (allowed) under the Sinking Fund law?

Sinking Fund dollars cannot purchase traditional classroom supplies like books, pens, pencils, etc. Technology for non-instructional purposes (such as office technology) is not permissible.

Instructional technology includes things like classroom computers, tablets, and interactive screens.

What is the last day to pick up an absentee ballot from my City Clerk’s Office?
To avoid mailing delays, it is strongly recommended to request an absentee ballot no later than Monday, October 18, up to 5 pm.

BSSF Info Card 1

BSSF Postcard back side