South-Western City Schools Voters Face Issue 47

Fourth Time Is A Charm? (Added: October 15, 2009)

In about two weeks, South-Western City Schools will go to voters for the fourth time to pass a levy. (more)

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By: Tanya Hutchins | NBC4i.com
Published: October 15, 2009

GROVE CITY, Ohio -- Supporters and opponents gear up for the last two weeks before Election Day in the South-Western City School District.

Issue 47 Campaign Co-Chair Jill Billman-Royer said volunteers are hitting the pavement and knocking on doors, handing out literature in support of a 7.4-mill continuous operating levy for the South-Western City School District.

Billman-Royer said she hopes the information will help to dispel the rumors circulating across the district.

The district web site said flat state funding and increasing costs are causing a deficit. The 7.4-mill operating levy would cost the owner of a $100,000 home $18.89 per month.

With an average home cost of $169,600, the average taxpayer would pay less than $8 per week. The district has cut $22 million to date.

Opponents say they plan to hold a rally just before Election Day.

Terry Jones of South-Western Alternatives to Taxes (SWAT) says he still believes administrators should cut salaries and curb overgenerous benefits.

SWAT is also going door to door, looking for no votes. Many voters on fixed income say they simply can't afford to pay higher taxes.

SWCS parent Amy Watson Grace says that's what she's hearing from other parents and residents in the district. "Well, I hope that the levy passes, but I have to say I'm not terribly optimistic."

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