By By ERIN VER BERKMOES / Niles Daily Star
NILES - Voters in the Niles Community Schools district will be electing one school board member for a four-year term at the annual school election held on May 3.
Filing deadline was Tuesday afternoon.
Incumbent Jerry French of 2578 Prospect Point, Niles, who is the current president of the school board, will face two challengers: Michael E. Gordon of 2592 Detroit Road and Toby Mitchell of 1610 Eastview Drive, Niles.
In the Brandywine Public Schools district, incumbent Phil Bozung, 252 Dennis Drive, Niles, and Dennis Hinsey,1332 Fulkerson Road, Niles, will be running for the two open seats on the Brandywine Board of Education.
Incumbent Michael Armstrong did not file to run.
The election for the Brandywine School District will also be held on May 3.
In addition to choosing a school board member, Niles Community Schools district voters will also be asked to renew the district's non-homestead tax levy.
At the Niles Community Schools Board of Education meeting on Monday evening, board members approved an election resolution in which the voters will be asked to vote on the renewal.
The non-homestead tax levy only affects second home owners and businesses. These property owners pay an additional 18 mills. All property owners in the State of Michigan are mandated to pay six mills on their primary residence. This property tax levy goes into state funding for schools.
The board is asking the voters to renew a two-year levy for 18.5 mills.
The district is only allowed to assess 18 mills. The .5 mills will only be assessed if the Headlee amendment reduces the amount that the district can collect.