Pickford Public Schools Operating Millage Renewal -- August 4th, 2026
On August 4th, Pickford Public Schools is asking voters to renew an operating (non-homestead) millage for 18.5259 mills for tax years 2027 and 2028. The current operating millage expires with the 2026 tax levy.
The renewal will only affect non-homestead properties, including apartment buildings, rental homes, vacation property, vacant land, commercial property and industrial property. Principal residences will not be affected by the operating millage.
The ballot language states,
“Shall the currently authorized millage rate limitation of 18.5259 mills ($18.5259 on each $1,000 of taxable valuation) on the amount of taxes which may be assessed against all property, except principal residence and other property exempted by law, in Pickford Public Schools, Chippewa and Mackinac Counties, Michigan, be renewed for a period of 2 years, 2027 and 2028, to provide funds for operating purposes; the estimate of the revenue the school district will collect if the millage is approved and 18 mills are levied in 2027 is approximately $771,188 (this is a renewal of millage that will expire with the 2026 tax levy)?”
The proposal asks for the authorization of 18.5259 mills for the next two years, but Pickford Public Schools legally cannot receive more than 18 mills. By asking for more than the maximum, the school district would be held harmless if home values decrease dramatically and still receive the equivalent of the current 18 mills.
Under current circumstances, however, the millage will continue to tax $18 per $1,000 of taxable value on non-homestead property taxes. The money collected from the millage equates to about $771,188 of revenue for operating purposes in 2027, which comprises roughly 12% of our district’s budget. The non-homestead revenue is required in order for Pickford Public Schools to receive its revenue per full pupil foundation from the State.
We would like to emphasize that this is a request for a millage renewal, not a new tax, and will not increase taxes for our community members. If the millage does not pass, Pickford Public Schools would have to determine how to cut this large amount from our budget. It would cause us to make some very tough decisions regarding the loss of staff, as well as courses and programs for students
Questions?? Call the district office at (906)647-6285 ext. 7302 to speak with Mr. Kyle Rairigh, District Superintendent. Please take time to vote on August 4th!
Pickford Public Schools Announces Updated Athletic Event Ticket Prices for the 2026-2027 School Year
Pickford Public Schools is committed to providing outstanding athletic opportunities for our students while remaining responsible stewards of district resources. To help ensure the long-term sustainability of our athletic programs, the Pickford Public Schools Board of Education has approved an update to athletic event admission prices.
Over the past decade, the cost of operating school athletic programs has increased significantly. Expenses such as game officials, transportation, coaching salaries, facility operations, equipment, and other program costs have continued to rise. Despite these increasing costs, Pickford Public Schools has not raised individual game ticket prices in well over 10 years.
Beginning with the upcoming athletic season, admission prices will be:
Middle School & High School Athletic Events
Adults: $7
Students/Seniors: $5
Elementary Athletic Events
All Tickets: $5
We are pleased to share that season athletic pass prices will remain unchanged, allowing our regular supporters to continue enjoying great value throughout the school year. In addition, season athletic passes will now include admission to all elementary athletic events, providing even greater value for our families and community members.
These modest adjustments will help ensure our athletic programs remain financially sustainable while continuing to provide quality experiences and opportunities for our student-athletes. As part of our commitment to responsible stewardship, Pickford Public Schools continually monitors its financial processes, operational costs, and athletic program expenses to ensure resources are being used efficiently while maintaining the high-quality opportunities our students deserve.
We sincerely appreciate the continued support of our students, families, alumni, and community members. Your attendance at our events directly supports Panther Athletics and the opportunities we provide for our students.
Thank you for your understanding, your continued partnership, and your unwavering support of Pickford Public Schools.
Go Panthers!
Come join the Panther team!! Pickford Schools is hiring a secretary (posting extended) as well as a bus driver. You can find job opportunities on the employment opportunities page of our website.
This proposal is a renewal of the district's existing operating millage and is not a new tax. The operating millage provides funding that supports the day-to-day operations of our schools, including educational programs, student services, transportation, technology, and other essential operating expenses.
We encourage all registered voters to take time to learn about the proposal and participate in the election.
Thank you for your continued support of Pickford Public Schools and our students!
Game Schedule May 25-30. Please note that we are in playoff season. Tickets to ALL district/regional/quarterfinal/UP final events will be Go-Fan ticketing.
Game Schedule for the week of May 18-23.
Thank you and have a good evening.
While winter keeps holding on spring sports will be moving forward. The following are our spring sports schedules as of April 3, 2026. Please remember that ALL schedules are subject to change. Our most up to date schedules can be found on the calendar on our website.
Game schedule for the week of March 16 - 21. Please note the changes to the Jr. High Boys Basketball tournament schedule.
Due to the continued blizzard conditions in our area we have been advised by emergency management teams to close school on Tuesday, March 17, 2026.
Due to storm predictions in excess of 24" Pickford Schools will be closed on Monday, March 16, 2026. ALL activities will also be cancelled.
Have a safe weekend.
Game Schedule for the week of March 8-14. Please note that games/dates are subject to change.
