Rick Lewis is the Chief Executive Officer of the Ohio School Boards Association in Columbus which is a trade organization and lobbying arm of the Loveland School District
by Rick Lewis
An important issue appears on the March 17 ballot for voters in the Loveland City School District.
The 6.95-mill continuing operating levy would pay for day-to-day expenses, such as utilities, supplies, busing, salaries and benefits for staff, and maintain the academic improvements established over the past several years. While seeking additional funding, the district has pledged to cut $2.7 million in expenses — cuts that will be made regardless of the vote’s outcome.
If voters approve the levy, a homeowner would pay $20.27 per month for every $100,000 in valuation.
Funds generated by the levy are critical. Without them, the district would have to make additional significant cuts in 2021, including a combination of at least 25 administrative, teaching and non- teaching staff positions, high school transportation (including nonpublic routes) and further increase pay-to-participate fees. Some of cuts would have to be made before the start of the 2020-21 school year.
Before making a decision, remember that strong schools make a community a great place to live, raise a family or start a business.
