Copper Country Intermediate School District is asking voters to renew its special education millage in November to maintain critical services for students with disabilities.
The millage, originally approved by voters in the early 2000s, will expire without renewal. A 2006 state law capped all millages at 20 years, requiring districts to seek voter approval to continue funding.
The CCISD will request the same rate of 0.2903 mills to continue supporting special education programming for another 20 years. If voters reject the renewal, schools will need to cut back programming and services for special education students.
“Children in our area are very blessed to be able to have the opportunity to have the support and their families at a very young age that will start their early intervention,” said Jen Beaudette, Early Childhood Education Director at CCISD. “As they get older, their opportunities for investment in education and interactions with peers their age really give them that development to be able to grow.”
Special education has evolved significantly, offering students access to resources that build confidence and skills. Programs include para-professionals, individualized education plans, speech therapy, and assistive technology.
Superintendent James Rautiola emphasized the importance of challenging students without limiting their potential.
“As a teacher, I’m so grateful that I had that experience early on because it really shifted my mindset,” Rautiola said. “Sometimes we as adults put constraints on the students and we ought not to. It really is up to us to keep challenging the kids and allow them to guide the path as we go forward.”
Michigan is one of five states providing special education programming to students from birth to age 26.
For more information about the CCISD special education millage, visit the district’s website.
