HANCOCK, Mich. — The Copper Country Intermediate School District has announced that voters across Baraga, Houghton, and Keweenaw Counties will consider a 20-year, 0.2903 mill special education replacement millage proposal on the November 3, 2026, ballot.
The proposal would replace the current millage at the exact same rate as levied in 2026, providing uninterrupted funding for more than 1,000 special education students. The replacement millage would directly support special education services across all 14 local school districts and the Copper Country ISD, sustaining services from birth to age 26. Tax dollars generated by the measure would continue to pay for daily student services, special education staff, and classroom equipment.
"Every child in our community deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive alongside their peers," said Jim Rautiola, Superintendent of Copper Country ISD. "This replacement millage simply maintains the existing rate to preserve essential resources such as specialized therapists, adaptive technology, and behavioral support. If approved, this millage would ensure local schools can maintain tailored support to students who need it most across our three counties."
If approved, the replacement millage will run from 2027 through 2046 and is estimated to raise approximately $601,033 in its first year. Funds generated by the proposal would support critical educational services throughout the region, including:
Specialized Student Therapies: Funding for services such as speech, occupational, and physical therapies that support children inside their local school buildings and early childhood programs.
Dedicated Staff: Supporting specialized staff such as classroom paraprofessionals, social workers, and school psychologists who evaluate and assist students throughout their educational journey.
Adaptive Technology & Mobility Tools: This includes tools such as assistive communication devices, sensory supports, and specialized mobility equipment so non-verbal or physically impaired students can participate in the classroom.
High-Impact & Behavioral Support: Maintaining specialized programs such as the Program for Students with Severe Disabilities, Community Transition Program, Classrooms for Students with Cognitive Impartments, and Social Emotional Teaching Program that help students gain skills and independence.
Funding centralized services through the intermediate district would protect local school districts’ general funds. This would ensure local school boards do not have to absorb high-cost specialized care into their general operating budgets, preserving local dollars for general education programs, electives, athletics, and other programming.
A failure of the replacement measure would create a $601,033 annual operational deficit for the Copper Country ISD. This would likely mean reductions in student resources and services, while placing additional financial strain on local school districts across Baraga, Houghton, and Keweenaw Counties.
Voters will see the special education proposal on the General Election ballot on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Community members seeking additional facts, ballot language, and details regarding special education programming can visit www.copperisd.org/specialeducation.