Superintendent’s Letter - August 4th Election
Justin Scott - 7/9/2026
Red Arrow Preps is fully independent of Lowell Area Schools. This article is being published for informational purposes only and was not paid for or sponsored by Lowell Area Schools. Red Arrow Preps does not endorse or oppose ballot proposals and takes a neutral stance on election measures.
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Superintendent’s Letter
Lowell Area Schools Superintendent Nate Fowler has released the following letter to district families regarding the August 4 election. Voters in the district will consider two proposals: an operating millage and a sinking fund millage. Both are replacements of expiring millages. The letter went out on July 8th, 2026.
“Dear Lowell Area Schools Families,
On August 4, voters in our district will consider two proposals: an operating millage and a sinking fund millage. Both are replacements of millages that are expiring, not new millages.
Why These Funds Matter
Lowell Area Schools operates on several distinct funds, each with legal restrictions on how it can be spent.
The general fund is funded by the operating millage and covers teachers, staff, transportation, and daily operations. The sinking fund is limited to building repairs, security improvements, technology, and school vehicles. The general fund can be used for other purposes.
Understanding the Operating Millage
The local operating millage is part of the state’s per-pupil funding formula. It does not apply to a family’s principal residence.
Because of required millage rollbacks under the Headlee Amendment, Lowell Area Schools is not collecting the revenue needed to receive its full per-pupil foundation allowance. This gap is projected to grow if the millage is not replaced, from an estimated $63,930 loss this year to $115,761 next year, roughly $19 to $34 per pupil.
Understanding the Sinking Fund
The sinking fund provides revenue for specific facility and safety projects, including roof repairs, secure vestibules, fire alarm upgrades, parking lot repairs, and instructional technology, representing about $5 million in improvements across the district.
It also helps offset the rising cost of school buses, which have increased 82 percent since 2020, from $90,000 to $164,000 per bus.
Common Questions
We want to make sure the facts are clear as you consider this election:
The state does not make up funding if a millage proposal does not pass; the district absorbs the loss.
Both proposals are replacements of expiring millages.
By law, the sinking fund cannot be used for salaries or benefits.
We encourage you to review the attached infographic for a full breakdown of district funding and these two proposals. If you have questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the district office.
Sincerely,
Nate Fowler
Superintendent
Lowell Area Schools”
Community Office Hours: August 4 Election
Throughout July, Superintendent Nate Fowler will host open office hours at locations around the community for residents who have questions about the August 4 election, including the operating millage and sinking fund millage proposals.
These sessions are informal and open to anyone who would like more information.
Dates, times, and locations will be shared soon.
