ESCANABA — Residents of Mid Peninsula School District approved a sinking fund millage proposal Tuesday in a 185-161 vote. This means that property taxes within the district, which covers 332 square miles across four townships, will be increased by one mill ($1 per every $1,000 of taxable valuation) for 10 years. Two earlier proposals for 3 and 2 mils were previously rejected. The money will be used to improve the school facility, which was opened in 1984 and houses K-12 and the Great Start Readiness Program, a state-funded preschool, within one building.

The school was formed in 1977 when two small rural schools from Rock and Perkins (Baldwin Township) consolidated. The new building was erected a few years later. Superintendant Eric VanDamme, a Mid Peninsula graduate himself, said that upgrades have been made when possible.

Whereas the school’s general fund is put towards learning in the classroom, this sinking fund, which will continue through 2032, has another purpose. “This is money that’s earmarked for facilities and transportation repairs and improvements,” said VanDamme. The verbiage on the ballot also allows for the purchase of real estate for school buildings, security improvements and maintenance personnel and equipment. The board of education will meet to decide which specific projects will be tackled and the priorities of each.

The mill will be levied beginning with the end-of-year taxes in 2023. Estimated revenue for the first year is $85,615. VanDamme said the school will begin to put the funds to use in summer of 2024.

“I want to take the time to thank the voters of the Mid Peninsula School District for their support,” said VanDamme. “We look forward to the major projects and keeping our school building and students successful and happy.”