|
|
|
|
 |
|
Vote for Ottawa Hills Schools Levy on Tuesday, November 2, 2010 |
|
On November 2nd, the citizens of Ottawa Hills will be asked to vote on a 7.6 mill levy for general operating expenses of the school district. The revenue from this levy will cover day-to-day operating expenses connected to running the school, such as utility costs, salaries and benefits, and classroom supplies.
Because of the way that Ohio laws are structured, revenue collected from property taxes does not increase as the value of the property increases. For example, a levy passed in 1990 collects no more revenue from a home in the village in 2010 than it did 20 years ago. The bottom line for all Ohio school districts is this: The cost of doing business increases each year, yet revenue does not. For this reason, the district must routinely ask voters to support new levies to keep up with increasing costs and state mandates.
Another challenge facing the school district is a decrease in valuation for property in the village the past few years. Even though the district cannot collect additional revenue when a property increases in value, it does lose revenue when that same property decreases in value. This has meant a loss of approximately $375,000 in revenue in fiscal year 2011 alone.
Budget cuts enacted last school year and this school year have helped to address the district’s financial situation. However, the school district is at the point where additional cuts will impact those components which have established the tradition of excellence for which Ottawa Hills is known, such as curricular offerings, class sizes, and an experienced staff.
The involvement of the parents of our elementary students is crucial. Please take the time to become educated about the need for the 7.6 mill levy, which will be on the ballot this November. Take note of the important points below, and by all means, if you have any questions, feel free to contact me or any member of the Board of Education.
Kevin S. Miller, Ed.D. Superintendent Board of Education members: Gary Wilson (419-531-2569) John Lewis (419-531-9566) Gretchen Rohm (419-535-0604) Brad Johnson (419-531-2443) Troy Greeley (419-531-0076)
|
||
 |
|
|
