KALAMAZOO COUNTY, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – Voters approved a new millage that proponents say will increase funding for technical education and career training for students in Kalamazoo County.
The KRESA career and technical education proposal passed with a reported 18,833 votes for the measure, with 12,535 opting against it.
The new millage is slated to increase property taxes for Kalamazoo homeowners over the course of 20 years, with funds going toward efforts to create a centrally located career center for technical training and skilled trades programs for local high school students.
After going into effect, the 1-mill tax will cost taxpayers who own a home valued at $150,000 an estimated total of $75 a year. The millage is expected to raise nearly $8.3 million dollars per year for the agency.
All tax revenues raised by the measure will be directed to the Kalamazoo County Regional Educational Service Agency (KRESA). Created in 1985, the agency provides students with job training and technical knowledge for careers in skilled trades.
Officials at the agency hope the funds will bolster career readiness programs among K-12 students, allow them to purchase new technology and equipment, and streamline services as they move toward consolidating Kalamazoo County’s career technical programs in a centrally located facility.
Currently the county’s career development programs operate in a “decentralized consortium model”, with an array of services and courses offered by area high schools, partnering local businesses, and Kalamazoo Valley Community College.
The agency pushed for change after career and technical education funding increases failed to materialize from the state government and local businesses leaders voiced their concerns over the growing skills gap as demand for technically educated graduates has grown.
According to a report developed by KRESA in May, the majority of jobs in the United States require a one-year certification or associates degree rather than the traditional bachelors’ degree.
KRESA decided to pursue a millage in November rather than a bond proposal because funds collected from the tax could also be used for staff salaries.
Apart from the millage, officials with the agency have said they plan to solicit private donations to help fund the building of the centralized career center with support from local businesses and organizations.
(copy written by Josh Scott)
