Northwood decides not to list possible cuts if levy bid fails

10/16/2002

The Northwood Board of Education last night opted against cataloging a list of spending cuts it would adopt if a proposed 4.9-mill continuing operating levy fails again in the Nov. 5 general election.

Board President Randy Kozina asked the board if it preferred to spell out possible reductions or wait to decide after the vote, should the tax issue be defeated.

“I don't want to catch people by surprise, but I don't want to promise things that aren't going to happen,” Mr. Kozina said. “I think it is clear that if it doesn't pass, there will be more cuts in January.”

The vote will mark the district's third try this year to win support for more operating revenue from district residents. The most recent try in August for an identical amount lost by about a dozen votes. The district has about 1,000 students.

When the levy failed in August, the district cut more than $280,000 from the operating budget for the 2002-03 school year.

The cuts included reduced hours for library aides, no busing for field trips, postponement of a bus purchase, an end to counseling for at-risk students and elementary reading tutoring, reductions in equipment and supplies, and the dismissal of two employees.