Washington schools puts levy on ballot

The Washington Local school board voted 5-0 Wednesday to place a 4.9-mill levy on the November ballot. The levy would generate an estimated $4.48 million, primarily for school operating budgets.

Officials proposed the levy to combat a $3 million annual deficit brought on in part by a loss in federal stimulus revenues, as well as state spending cuts.

A previous 3.9-mill levy passed in 2008 that was to generate $3.6 million — but the district lost money in spite of the measure. Unlike that levy, in which part was allotted for permanent improvements, the new levy could be allocated for a range of expenses and will give the district more flexibility, district spokesman Wendy Farran said.