Greetings Dearborn Community,
By now, being only days away from the Tuesday, November 5th election, I’m sure all of you are aware of the BRICS Bond proposal that will be on the ballot. The Dearborn Public Schools has spent the last several months, providing information about the bond that lead up to the June decision to seek state approval of a bond application and then a July decision to place the proposal on the November ballot.
The BRICS Bond is a proactive plan that will provide $240 million in funding while maintaining the current millage(tax) rate. The BRICS Bond will address infrastructure, capacity, and security needs throughout the district. Technology and the purchase of replacement busses are also part of the proposal. If you still have questions please visit https://iblog.dearbornschools.org/bond/ or contact our Communications Office at 827-3006.
The most important aspect of voting is to ensure you are making an informed decision. In today’s era where information can be found in a variety of sources and mediums, I encourage everyone to take the time to vet the sources of your information. More traditional and established news sources have provided fair and balanced information on the BRICS Bond. However, social media has provided a less credible source of information and details. The District has even discovered “made up accounts” on social media making claims that are untrue, inaccurate, or distort the facts. Although this practice is not uncommon, it is very disappointing that individuals would use these tactics in order to influence others.
Local elections, maybe more than any other, reinforce the message that “Every Vote Counts”. A couple hundred, a couple dozen or even only a few votes can often be the deciding factor in this type of election. When post-election numbers are reviewed, it is not uncommon to find that a group of people expected to vote a certain way end up being the people who don’t vote at all. This is often the result of complacency and relying on someone else to do the voting.
Don’t let someone else make your decision, exercise your right to vote on November 5th. If you can’t make it to the polls on Tuesday, new laws allow you to vote at the City Clerk’s office before Election Day. This Saturday (November 2) any registered voter can stop by the Dearborn City Clerk’s Office between the hours of 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and vote via absentee ballot. In Dearborn Heights the hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
When the Board of Education places a proposal on the ballot it is the District’s responsibility to provide residents with information on that proposal. We have provided informational material and forums to share the details on the BRICS Bond but the ultimate decision is up to you, the voter. Voting is one of the greatest rights we have as citizens of this great country, don’t miss out on having your voice heard and being a part of the process. See you at the polls on Tuesday, November 5th.
Have a great weekend,
Glenn
Glenn Maleyko
Superintendent