Board discusses levy options

By Jane Beathard

Staff Writer

Ideas were abundant at a special meeting of the London City Schools Board of Education on Tuesday.

But there was consensus on only one: any new tax levy campaign will focus on the Nov. 6 general election.

School board members agreed to forgo a special election in August, given its expense to the district and a looming May 9 filing deadline.

Treasurer Kristine Blind said postponing the effort will provide her sufficient time to calculate the financial impact of the district’s most recent budget cuts and how much additional income is needed for future operations. She will include that calculation in a forecast due to the Ohio Department of Education by the end of May.

“By the end of May, we need a plan and a firm number,” Blind said.

It will also give organizers sufficient time to educate voters about the need for additional revenue, according to Ginger Kronk, levy campaign co-chairperson.

“We need until November to plan a well-thought-out campaign,” Kronk said.

However, debate will continue among board members on whether new taxes will be directed at real estate, income or a combination of the two.

Board member Curtis Brooks said income tax revenues can fluctuate with the economic times, while property tax revenues are consistent.

Interim Superintendent Tom Ben asked if additional revenue will restore programs and jobs cut during the last two years.

But, board president Martha Geib, M.D., said more money is needed to merely maintain existing programs and positions.

She noted further levy defeats will lead to more budget reductions and layoffs.

Ed Maynor, president of the London Education Association, said voters must understand clearly what is at stake in future levy efforts.

“Put it on the table,” Maynor said. “Identify what will be cut (including sports) if the levy fails.”