Waterford spends more. Kids learn less.
High per-student spending. Below-average results. New millages on the table. Neighbors deserve a clear answer.
What the numbers show
More money isn’t producing better results
Waterford families should be able to see a clear return on school spending. Right now, proficiency lags the state.
Michigan public school average: 35%.
Michigan public school average: 46%.
Bottom half of Michigan districts on combined math/reading proficiency.
High spend paired with below-average outcomes.
What’s on the ballot
More school taxes are on the table
A district millage and a countywide enhancement millage both raise the same issue: who pays, how much, and what results are promised.
Waterford district millage
The district is asking voters to renew and slightly increase its operating millage to 22 mills (from 18, plus a small restoration) for 10 years (2026–2035), projected to generate $17.7 million annually.
SourceOakland County enhancement millage
County voters decided on a new regional school tax that would add $781 per student per year across Oakland County, including Waterford.
SourceOne school, clear signal
At Waterford Durant, the results are severe
One high school in the district ranks near the bottom statewide — a hard check on the claim that more funding alone is working.
Statewide standing
Worse than 91.9% of Michigan high schools
Science proficiency
9.52% of 11th graders proficient (vs 37.5% statewide)
Graduation
As low as 43.4% in recent years
Concern isn’t enough. Waterford needs neighbors who show up.
What you can do
Learn
Understand how millages, school budgets, and board decisions actually work in Waterford — so you’re arguing from facts, not headlines.
Connect
Meet neighbors who share your concern about results, spending, and accountability in local schools.
Act
Show up: board meetings, public comment, questions about outcomes, and follow-through on how dollars are used.
Support
Get ongoing help from people already doing this work in their communities — so you don’t have to figure it out alone.
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