Lake schools to ask for 4.75-mill operating levy Aug. 2

Woodmore forum on May issue is Monday

4/27/2011

Lake Local Board of Education last week took the final step in putting a 4.75-mill operating levy on the Aug. 2 ballot.

The permanent levy would raise more than $1.1 million a year and cost the owner of a $100,000 house about $145.47 a year. Board members unanimously approved putting the request on the August ballot.

If approved, the operating levy would be the first increase in school district taxes since 2006.

It is needed to help cover more than $1.1 million in state funding reductions under Governor Kasich's proposed two-year budget, said Tim Krugh, board president.

Operating funds cannot be used in building the district's $25.5 million high school, which will replace the one destroyed by the June tornado, Mr. Krugh said. Tax dollars are not being used to rebuild the high school, he said.

The board was contemplating a levy request even before the tornado because of continued state funding cuts.

Lake Local, meanwhile, is not alone in struggling with reduced state funding.

Woodmore Local Board of Education last week discussed areas where there could be additional cutbacks if the district's 3.95-mill emergency levy would be rejected by voters Tuesday.

The levy would raise $600,000 a year and cost the owner of a $100,000 house about $120 a year.

Among cost-cutting proposals if the Woodmore levy does not pass that were approved by the board were ending all field trip transportation, eliminating high school transportation, and laying off up to four high school teachers.

Woodmore officials will hold a final forum to answer questions about the levy at 7 p.m. Monday in the high school cafeteria.