The Greenland School District is asking voters to approve a millage rate increase to fund school building upgrades.They’re requesting an increase of 2 mills. Dr. Andrea Martin, superintendent of Greenland School, said this increase is “minimal,” estimating that the average taxpayer would owe about $5 to $10 more per month.”We’re talking about a Sonic run, a burger and a Coke,” Martin said.”Somebody paid for us to be in school years ago, so now it’s our turn to pay for those and for the future ahead of us.”Millage rates are based on property value. Martin said that people with property valued above $500,000 could see a higher monthly payment. The funds would be used to upgrade and modernize district buildings, as some are more than a century old.”We have a high school wing that’s being used that was built in 1925,” Martin said. “We have an old gym that’s used on a daily basis that doesn’t have heating or air for students.”She said the money would also be used to build new spaces for the district, including an agriculture and science barn and a flexible workspace to house their Career and Technical Education Programs.Greenland School District has proposed this millage rate increase to voters in prior elections, but it’s failed to pass. Martin said this is due to many voters not being educated on what the increase would mean. “Our school is the central hub of our community. It’s the largest employer in our community,” Martin said. “We know that people always want to do what’s right for kids, and we’re going to trust that they’re going to do that this time around.”40/29 News listened to the recording of Monday’s Greenland city council meeting, where the district told the council and community why they say the millage is needed. One resident argued the new barn isn’t necessary, proposing the district utilize the Washington County Fairgrounds instead. Martin said these improvements and new developments are crucial to best serve their students and prepare for growth in the area.Voters in the Greenland School District will see this millage rate increase on the ballot in the March 3 primary election. Early voting begins on Feb. 17.

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The Greenland School District is asking voters to approve a millage rate increase to fund school building upgrades.

They’re requesting an increase of 2 mills. Dr. Andrea Martin, superintendent of Greenland School, said this increase is “minimal,” estimating that the average taxpayer would owe about $5 to $10 more per month.

“We’re talking about a Sonic run, a burger and a Coke,” Martin said.”Somebody paid for us to be in school years ago, so now it’s our turn to pay for those and for the future ahead of us.”

Millage rates are based on property value. Martin said that people with property valued above $500,000 could see a higher monthly payment.

The funds would be used to upgrade and modernize district buildings, as some are more than a century old.

“We have a high school wing that’s being used that was built in 1925,” Martin said. “We have an old gym that’s used on a daily basis that doesn’t have heating or air for students.”

She said the money would also be used to build new spaces for the district, including an agriculture and science barn and a flexible workspace to house their Career and Technical Education Programs.

Greenland School District has proposed this millage rate increase to voters in prior elections, but it’s failed to pass. Martin said this is due to many voters not being educated on what the increase would mean.

“Our school is the central hub of our community. It’s the largest employer in our community,” Martin said. “We know that people always want to do what’s right for kids, and we’re going to trust that they’re going to do that this time around.”

40/29 News listened to the recording of Monday’s Greenland city council meeting, where the district told the council and community why they say the millage is needed. One resident argued the new barn isn’t necessary, proposing the district utilize the Washington County Fairgrounds instead.

Martin said these improvements and new developments are crucial to best serve their students and prepare for growth in the area.

Voters in the Greenland School District will see this millage rate increase on the ballot in the March 3 primary election. Early voting begins on Feb. 17.