Oxford board approves school closure, pay-to-play if millage fails a third time

Oxford Community Schools would close Leonard Elementary, charge students to play sports and cut staff if voters reject the district's non-homestead millage for a third time on Nov. 3.

The Board of Education unanimously approved the contingency plan at its Sept. 22 regular meeting, according to the Oxford Leader. The cuts would take effect in the 2027-28 school year only if the millage fails. About $7 million a year is at stake.

The plan includes:

• Closing Leonard Elementary.
• Pay-to-participate fees and entrance fees for athletic events.
• Reorganizing and reducing general education staffing.

If the millage passes, the district said it would still look for ways to cut costs and operate more efficiently.

What's on the ballot

The proposal asks voters to approve 18 mills on non-homestead property for 10 years: a 17.26-mill replacement plus a 0.74-mill restoration. Non-homestead property includes businesses, rentals and second homes. Primary residences are not subject to the tax.

The non-homestead levy is part of the per-pupil funding districts receive under Michigan's Proposal A school funding system. Oxford's current millage expires at the end of this year, according to the Oxford Leader.

Third time on the ballot

The measure failed in November 2025 and again in August 2026. The August loss came by 23 votes: The proposal passed in the Oakland County portion of the district by 34 votes but lost in the Lapeer County portion, 162-105.

Board members: 'This stinks'

"This stinks all the way around," Treasurer Shane Gibson said, according to the Oxford Leader. "I don't want to see a single person lose their job."

Board member Randall Kreger said he opposed every option because all of them hurt students. "Because unfortunately, and I'm sorry for this, students, you get the brunt of this without having a say," he said.

Board President Amanda McDonough said, "This is not anything that any of us want to do," adding that the plan was important so the community understands the magnitude of the cuts.

Several students spoke during public comment and said the cuts would affect their school experience.

What it means for residents

Oxford voters, in both Oakland and Lapeer counties, will decide the millage Tuesday, Nov. 3. Homeowners would not pay the tax on their primary residence, but the outcome will determine whether the district moves ahead with the closure and fee plan.

Oxford is one of three Oakland County districts with non-homestead operating millages on the Nov. 3 ballot, along with Ferndale and Waterford.

This story uses reporting from the Oxford Leader and the Oakland Press.