Many residents across the state have heard about Proposal 1; a proposal to raise the sales tax by one cent in order to fix our roads and bridges. I think we can all agree that many of Michigan’s roads and bridges are in distress, and for that reason alone, residents should consider supporting the initiative. However, there is really much more at stake.

What many residents do not know is that the tax revenue currently collected through the sales tax on gasoline is used to fund local revenue sharing programs (such as police, fire and ambulance services), the Michigan Health Initiative and the School Aid Fund – it is not used for roads and bridges.

Now this is where it gets complicated. Years ago, Michigan’s legislature made a decision to transfer dollars from the School Aid Fund to four-year colleges and universities. Students in K-12 education lost about $200 million in funding that would have been directed to local school districts. Proposal 1, in addition to generating more money to fix roads, would restore that shift, returning the dollars lost by area school districts (an increase of about $200 per student).

In fact, Proposal 1, would provide:

• $1.25 billion for road and bridge repairs

• $300 million for the School Aid Fund (above what was legislatively shifted to higher education) as well as a provision for community colleges and Career & Technical Education programs

• $130 million for public transportation purposes

• $95 million for revenue sharing to cities, villages and townships.

It is important to understand that an increase in the sales tax is not a “Pure Michigan” burden, but an assessment that all visitors and guests will contribute to during their travels through our state. Think about it. Tourists won’t come to visit if they cannot safely travel our roadways. Tourists will not want to become residents if our schools can’t afford to educate their children. Businesses will not survive without their purchases. Employers will not be able to thrive if they don’t have a pool of educated workers to fill positions. Proposal 1 is not just a road issue. Proposal 1 is a sustainability issue for our students’ future and for Michigan’s future.

It is just a penny. A penny that can make a huge difference for all of us. The Berrien County school district superintendents and administrators listed below encourage you to please vote “YES” on Proposal 1 on May 5, 2015.

This letter has the support of several school leaders, including Dr. Leonard Seawood, of Benton Harbor Area Schools; Mr. James Bermingham, of Berrien Springs Public Schools; Dr. John Jarpe, of Brandywine Community Schoos; Mr. Shane Peters, of Bridgman Public Schools, Dr. Andrea van der Laan, of Buchanan Community Schools; Mr. Peter Buch, of Coloma Community Schoos; Ms. Lyn Sperry, administrator at Countryside Academy; Mr. Philip Freeman, of Lakeshore Public Schools; Mr. Mark Westerburg, of New Buffalo Area Schools; Dr. Michael Lindley, of Niles Community Schools; Mr. William Kearney, of River Valley School District; Mr. Andres Velez, principal at Soduz Township No. 5; Mrs. Anne Cardon, St. Joseph Public Schools and Mr. Kevin Schooley, Watervliet Public Schools.

Dr. Kevin Ivers,

Berrien RESA