Richmond schools ask voters to renew no‑increase debt millage for building needs

Brian Wamsley, director for Richmond Community Schools, told the Richmond City Council on Monday that the district is asking voters to renew a debt millage on the Nov. 4 ballot and that the renewal would not increase the rate taxpayers now pay. “This millage is a no increase,” Wamsley said during public comment. He said the renewal would keep the same debt millage rate that appears on tax bills in July 2025 and that, if approved, the district expects the measure to generate about $51,800,000 for the district.
Wamsley, who was joined by Board Vice President Margaret Telts, presented enrollment projections the district obtained from a Michigan forecasting firm. He said the district ran five projection methods, accounting for births, housing and other demographic factors, and that the models show a 16–20% enrollment increase over 10 years — about 300 additional students annually averaged over the decade. “This year we are currently up 35 students,” Wamsley said, adding that the district has already matched the annualized projection for this year.
The district told council the bond program would fund capacity projects prioritized for the middle school first in 2026, with bonds sold in two series (the first series in 2028) and later work at the high school and elementary school. Wamsley said the 2019 bond had paid for 10 elementary classrooms and two classrooms remain unused.
Council members asked about graphics and supporting materials; Wamsley said he would forward the district’s graphics and noted the superintendent had information on the district website. No council action was required on the presentation; the remarks were made during public comments.
The school officials emphasized the request is intended for building and space needs rather than extracurricular programming. The council did not take a vote on the millage during the meeting; Wamsley urged voters to consider the measure in the November election.