02:21 PM UTC
Notice of Public Hearing On September 10, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., the Westwood Community School District Board of Education will hold a public hearing at 3335 South Beech Daly, Dearborn Heights, Michigan, and entertain a vote on the formation of a Westwood Community School District Promise Zone serving the Westwood Community School District. Pursuant to the Michigan Promise Zone Authority Act, Act 549 of 2008, the proposed Promise Zone would use privately raised funds, grants, and Tax Increment Financing (TIF) to fund post-secondary scholarships and related costs for qualifying graduates of Westwood Community School District high schools. Program governance, scholarship qualifications, and other details will be determined after the formation of the Promise Zone and articulated in a Promise Zone Development Plan. At a minimum, the Promise Zone will create a tuition-free path to an associate degree or industry certification at one Institution of Higher Education (IHE), most likely a regional community college and/or university. In terms of eligibility, the Promise Zone will require those served to be both graduates of high schools located within the service area and residents of that area. Scholarships awarded to graduates will be prorated based on the student’s length of residency and years of attendance. The formation of the Promise Zone would not increase local millage rates or adversely impact existing TIF programs. For more information on Promise Zones, please visit the Michigan Department of Treasury website: https://www.michigan.gov/treasury/finance/info/promise/michigan-promise-zone-designations and consult the Michigan Promise Zone Authority Act: https://www.legislature.mi.gov/(S(2d0e3cybyoii4nww1th0onlj))/documents/mcl/pdf/mcl-act-549-of-2008.pdf.