Residents urge support for school funding initiative and press board on closures, transparency

Several community members spoke during public participation at the Southfield Board of Education meeting on Feb. 10, urging support for a statewide funding initiative and pressing the district for clearer communication about closures and finances.

Sharon Heath of the Michigan Education Justice Coalition urged the district to support the "Invest in My Kids" ballot initiative, a proposed constitutional amendment that would add an additional 5% tax on annual taxable income above $1,000,000 for joint filers (and $500,000 for single filers) beginning in 2027, with proceeds deposited into the state school aid fund "to be used exclusively on local school district classrooms, career and technical education, reducing class sizes, and recruiting and retaining teachers," she said. Heath said petition drives have collected more than 200,000 signatures and asked for Southfield volunteers.

Jenny Commuter, representing the National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW), offered nonpartisan voter-education and registration support for eleventh- and twelfth-grade students, citing recent changes to Michigan voting rules affecting absentee ballots, early voting and drop boxes.

Former board president Betty Robinson criticized the district’s pace of change and asked why schools are being closed while the district carries a large bond and higher millage, asked what will happen to vacant school buildings and why campus financial reporting to the board has stopped since Dr. Green’s arrival. Robinson said she reviewed staff-provided materials that indicated a $345 million bond and asked for clearer financial reporting to homeowners.

Marie Banks, a PTSA member, urged the board to consider the effect repeated transitions have on students and families during school relocations and to provide tours and supports so parents and students are not left feeling uncertain.

Superintendent Jennifer Green said the district recently held a legislative briefing where finances were shared and bond presentations were left on the table for public review. She said the district does not have additional empty buildings beyond the old Busy McArthur on 12 Mile, which is currently under contract.

What the record shows: Commenters asked for greater transparency on bond spending and for steps to retain students amid transitions. The board did not take additional formal action on the public comments at this meeting.