Oakland County Voters Approve $750 Million in School Funding

Oakland County residents approved nearly $750 million in school funding measures on Tuesday. The ballot included six school improvement bonds and three operating millage proposals. Voters accepted the majority of requests, providing districts with capital for infrastructure repairs and revenue for daily operations.

Birmingham secured the largest funding package with a $270 million bond. The 20-year measure, which carries no tax increase, passed with 22,229 votes in favor and 11,452 against. The funds will target safety upgrades, roof replacements, and the expansion of the Midvale Early Childhood Center. The district's current millage rate of 3.80 mills remains unchanged.

Farmington School District passed a third bond in four years. The $171 million, 20-year proposal won 26,585 votes to 16,053. This first phase of a long-term plan addresses nearly $390 million in identified facility needs. Superintendent Kelly Coffin noted that a citizens' oversight team previously reduced a larger request, setting a precedent for periodic updates every five to six years.

Several districts focused on restoring operating revenue. Ferndale voters approved a 20-year millage by a three-to-one margin, restoring 1.67 mills to the district's levy. The measure generates $6.7 million annually. Oxford also won its third attempt to pass an operating millage. The proposal passed 7,749 to 5,820, restoring 0.68 mills to the full 18-mill limit. This action yields $252,288 for the 2026 calendar year.

Waterford voters approved a millage to replace 0.32 mills lost to Headlee rollbacks. The measure passed 19,593 to 15,833, reversing a previous 865-vote defeat in August. Royal Oak approved a $165 million bond by more than 30 percentage points. Superintendent John Tafelski stated that $90 million of the total will go toward critical infrastructure such as roofs and secure entrances.

Lake Orion experienced the closest result of the election. The $115.9 million bond passed by just 58 votes, with 11,900 in favor and 11,842 against. The district had previously failed a $272 million proposal in November 2025. A survey earlier this year showed support dropping by 20 percentage points from April 2025 levels.

Lamphere School District secured funding on its third attempt in two years. The $47.3 million, 30-year bond passed 3,924 to 2,993. Superintendent Dale Steen explained that 96 percent of major building systems have reached or passed their expected service life. The district aims to update infrastructure in buildings ranging from 57 to 70 years old rather than construct new facilities.

Holly was the only district to see its proposal fail. Voters rejected a $97.6 million, 30-year bond 7,190 to 6,560. The measure would have funded athletic spaces, a secure entry at Holly Elementary, and career-technical trades additions at the high school. Superintendent Scott Roper said the district will regroup and consider next steps after the outcome.