COLUMBUS, Ohio – Students, faculty and staff in the South-Western City School District are breathing a big sigh of relief. That’s because after a year and four attempts, unofficial election results indicate voters have approved a 7.4-mill operating levy.
According to unofficial results, Issue 47, a 7.4-mill operating levy was approved by residents by just 449 votes. “We're thrilled not only for our students but for the community,” said Bill Wise, Superintendent of South-Western City Schools. He says the approval not only saved 85 full-time positions and prevented $8 million in reductions, it also means an additional $18.5 million a year in revenue.
That means busing will be reinstated by month's end, buildings will now resume normal hours and extra-curricular activities such as clubs, music programs and sports, including winter sports, have been resurrected. However, this time around, these programs will cost students.
“At this point, the board has already adopted a pay-to-participate structure,” says Wise. “It’s $150 for high school athletics, $100 for music program, $75 for middle schools and $20 for clubs." That's all with a $500 cap per family.
Still, student athletes couldn’t be more excited. “I’m pretty pumped up,” says Grove City High School Freshman Hayes Davis, who hopes to play football.
“I was up all night just wondering if it passed, then when it passed, I could sleep better,” said Freshman Corey Rine, who hopes to play basketball.
Elections officials say the margin of approval doesn't meet requirements for a mandated recount. However, groups have five days from the time the results are certified on November 24 to file such a request. School officials say even if there is a recount in this issue, they're confident the results will remain the same.
At noon Wednesday, the school board was scheduled to hold a meeting to start the process of rehiring some of those who had been laid off due to previous cuts, including coaches for winter sports.
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