School Officials Consider Cutting Sports Without Levy

COLUMBUS, Ohio —A battle is brewing between taxpayers and South-Western City School District officials.

Will the district get enough support for a May levy increase?

The school board already presented its budget plan that includes about $6 million in staff and programs may get a reprieve if voters approve the levy.
District officials said that after operating on a lean budget, they need more funding to keep students on track.

And it could mean the end for programs if the May levy is rejected.

“We are talking all athletics, clubs, extra and co-curricular activities,“ said Sandy Nekoloff, of South-Western City Schools.

Four years ago, a levy helped in the district, NBC 4‘s Marcus Thorpe reported.

“We’ve used the money wisely,“ Nekoloff said.

But, voters will be looking at a new 8.3-mill operating levy on the ballot. Without approval, officials said the proposed cuts will be made.

“There is no way. We don’t consider all of them essential for the education of a child. It is just the things we can no longer afford,“ Nekoloff said.

It also means no more high school bussing, purchase services reduced and eliminated staff.

District officials said they are forced to prioritize education and that because the district ranks 14th in the county in per pupil expenditures, they claim there is no alternative.

“If we had that additional money, we’d love to provide additional programs. But we have been on a lean budget, looking for ways to use tax dollars wisely,“ Nekoloff said.

A combination increase failed in November.

Terry Jones said the district is using strong-arm coercion.

“They all say they are for the kids, but the first ones they take away from and ask to sacrifice are the kids. I don’t think it’s right if they do the spending right,“ Jones said.

District officials said they are being truthful, adding that everyone has been sacrificing.

But Jones said that more needs to be done at the administrative and employee level, suggesting wage freezes and pay cuts.

Nekoloff said the district is taking action to offset many costs.

“Our administrators agreed to roll contracts with no raise on base salary,“ Nekoloff said.

If approved, the increase would cost the owner of a $100,000 home $22 each month.

Residents interested in more information can attend a meeting at 7 p.m. on March 31 at Westland High School on Galloway Road in Galloway.

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