Millage Vote Will Send SWCS Levy To Ballot

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Ohio -- A little more than a week after voters defeated an 8.3-mill operating levy, it appeared South-Western City Schools will go to its voters for a fourth time.

NBC 4 got answers on how the district has changed its requests after deciding to back to voters.

School board members voted to place a 7.4-mill continuous operating levy on the November general election ballot Wednesday night.

The vote was unanimously yes.

The proposed operating levy would be less than the 8.3-mill levy that failed in the special Tuesday, Aug. 4, election and in May.

The proposed 7.4 mills would cost the owner of a $100,000 home about $226 more per year.

“I hope that gives everybody the compromise they were looking for so they'll perhaps pass it,” supporter Susan Chaltry said.

If the proposed levy were to pass, officials said, the district would reinstate busing and it would consider pay-to-play fees for sports and extracurricular activities.

If it were to fail, the district stands to lose out on a whole year of revenue.

Tax collection would start in January 2010.

Winter sports and activities could make a comeback if passed.

“I think it's a good compromise. It lowers it a few dollars a month, and for some people that might make a difference,” taxpayer Julia O’Brien said.

“I want to see them do 6.3, 6.4 and see them do four years. That way, they could at least come back to voters and increase or do a tax levy later,” taxpayer Jim Vaughan said.

“It's all about the kids. You know what? Twenty dollars a month isn't going to kill anyone on a $100,000 house,” taxpayer Dan Longenette said.

Even a smaller millage won’t convince Doris Conley to vote yes.

“I’ll vote no again,” Conley said. “It don't matter. My taxes will go up, and I can’t afford it. I’m on a limited income.”

Conley isn’t alone, either.

“I’m against it. I’m against it all the way,” Gordy Myers said.

“I am morally against it because I don't think kids in the Westland and Franklin Heights area can afford it,” taxpayer Denise Diaz said.

Franklin Heights High School senior Alejandra Esson said she hopes a levy passes but she’s skeptical.

“I think it's good that they're trying. I don't know if it’s going to pass again,” Esson said.

If voters were to pass the proposed levy, cuts still will have to be made, officials said.

The school board has asked administrators to figure out what those cuts would be.

The board was scheduled to meet again at 8:30 p.m. Thursday to take a second vote on the millage.

A “yes” vote would place the issue on the ballot officially.

NBC 4 asked the question: What will it take for opponents to change their minds and pass a proposed levy?

Some voters said it's time for some changes and more transparency.

“Show your bank statements. How it's spent. Going for salaries, athletics, art, whatever,” Issue 2 supporter Judith DeCarlo said.

During the most recent push for the levy, district officials tried to let voters in. Some said they don't think everyone got the message and want another look.

Show where the money is going and what it's being used for, another voter said.

Some teachers within the district said many voters don't fully understand that state funding doesn't pay for everything.

“I think the board needs to get out and be a bit more explaining how funding works and what the money is used for,” SWCS teacher Melissa Fischer said.

Other voters said they would like to see both sides invited to discuss what is best for the district.

“I think they could do a lot better. They have the resources and not just at forums -- but people and schools. That's what I would do,” taxpayer Mark Riggs said.

A school district only can go to voters three times within a calendar year to ask for higher taxes, under Ohio law. SWCS put a levy on the ballot in May and in August and will in November.

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