Career and Technical Education millage information
Career and Technical Education in Char-Em ISD is funded by a dedicated millage, which is up for renewal with voters every four years. The next renewal request will come before voters in May 2026.
On this page:
2026 Millage Media Release
Answers to FAQs
Click the flyer image below for the 2-page millage PDF.
Career and Technical Education millage request on the May 5, 2026, ballot
On May 5, 2026, voters throughout Charlevoix, Emmet and northern Antrim counties will be asked to consider Char-Em ISD’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) millage proposal. This millage has funded vocational programs throughout the ISD’s 11 public school districts for 30 years, with the original millage approved by voters in 1996.
The 1.0 mill request, if approved, would keep the current 23 high school career tech programs operating across the ISD’s 11 public school districts, while maintaining numerous kindergarten-12th grade initiatives such as: Char-Em Street STEM delivering science, technology, engineering, and math tools; seven summer camps; career counseling; work-based learning; and tours of businesses, colleges, and trade schools, among many other efforts and innovations.
The millage would generate approximately $8.1 million annually from 2026-2029.
This request comes before voters every four years, with the last approval in May 2022 of 1.0 total mill. Because that millage expired on Dec. 31, 2025, by law the ballot language cannot be worded as a “renewal,” explained Char-Em ISD Superintendent Scott Koziol.
“This is the millage that has provided amazing opportunities for local students over the past 30 years,” said Koziol. “I believe recognition of the importance of vocational education has never been greater. This region knows the critical role of the skilled trades. We see it every day in these classrooms, where students are gaining real-world skills and knowledge to succeed in these important careers.”
READ THE COMPLETE MILLAGE MEDIA RELEASE – CLICK HERE
Facts and FAQs about Career Tech
HOW ARE FUNDS GENERATED FOR CTE DISTRIBUTED?
Char-Em ISD disburses funding to all 11 public school districts based on a formula that includes program instruction, technology, connectivity, career counseling, regional activities, and ISD supports.
WHERE DO I VOTE?
Voters will cast ballots at their usual polling location or via absentee if available/requested. To request an absentee ballot, contact your township clerk’s office. Applications for ballots will be available mid-March.
WHO CAN VOTE?
Registered voters in the 11 Char-Em ISD school districts can vote: Alanson, Beaver Island, Boyne City, Boyne Falls, Central Lake, Charlevoix, East Jordan, Ellsworth, Harbor Springs, Pellston, and Petoskey.
HOW LONG HAS THE CTE MILLAGE BEEN IN PLACE?
The CTE millage was first approved by voters in four-year increments starting in 1996. It has been approved by an approx. 70+ percent majority at each renewal.
HOW MANY STUDENTS ARE ENROLLED IN CAREER TECH PROGRAMS?
Approximately 1,500 high school students throughout Char-Em participate in career tech classes each year. Approximately 80 percent of students in our region take at least one CTE course during high school.
CAN MY STUDENT PARTICIPATE IN A CAREER TECH PROGRAM IN ANOTHER DISTRICT?
Yes. Any student in any Char-Em ISD district can enroll in any career tech class in any other district. They are required to arrange transportation themselves at this time. It’s expected that the expansion millage dollars, if approved, would be used to develop transportation options among school districts for students.
WHAT PROGRAMS ARE CURRENTLY OFFERED THROUGHOUT CHAR-EM ISD?
All current school year programming
WHAT IS CHAR-EM’S ROLE IN CAREER TECH?
Char-Em ISD plays a critical role in the planning of regional Career and Technical Education programs and services. The ISD assists with support staff and provides additional funding for school-to-work activities such as job shadowing, mentoring, college and university visits, and work-based learning. For students with disabilities, Char-Em provides support for work study and vocational assessment.
COULD LOCAL SCHOOL DISTRICTS FUND CAREER TECH WITHOUT A MILLAGE?
It would be extremely challenging given the current budget, and programs would close. Under state law, local school districts cannot ask voters to fund career tech education specific to their district. It must be done on a regional basis through an intermediate school district. If a district were to provide career tech programs, they would be funded from the district’s general fund.
WHY DOESN’T CHAR-EM HAVE A CAREER TECH CENTER LIKE IN OTHER AREAS?
Due to the large geographical region of Char-Em ISD – over 1,000 square miles – and the numerous inland lakes that bisect our area, a centralized career tech center wasn’t a reasonable choice. Instead, programs are housed in local school districts and open to any student in any district who is interested in attending.
IS CAREER TECH A HIGH SCHOOL ONLY INITIATIVE?
Not in Char-Em ISD. In our region, career and college readiness activities span grades K-12, with age- and grade-appropriate activities beginning with having the youngest students tour career vehicles. Career fairs, career speakers, expos, and more activities take place as students progress through the grades. By middle school, counselors are regularly working with students on career planning goals utilizing software provided by the career tech millage, Xello.
Career tech millage dollars also contribute toward internet connectivity and technology services throughout our districts. Often, equipment that is used in CTE programs can be passed to other grades for their use.
CTE summer camps are available for kids in grades K-12, and provide early career exploration disguised as fun and exciting camp programs. View all summer camps
If you have questions about the Career Tech millage, contact Scott Koziol, Char-Em ISD Superintendent.