Board Approves Nov. 2018 Ballot Issue
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Superintendent Carla Birney
July 17, 2018
(DOVER, OH) On July 17, 2018, the Dover City Schools took the first vote required to place an emergency operating levy on the November 6, 2018, ballot. This request comes after 10 years of stretching the funds from the last operating levy passed in 2008. The new levy will generate $3,357,000 per year for five years.
“Asking for additional funding is never easy, but it is necessary if we want to continue to provide the excellent opportunities we offer to our Dover students,” stated Board President, Steve Mastin.
The district has maintained a lean budget, spending 22% per student below the state average, while responding to external pressures beyond the district’s control. Reductions in state funding levels, including the elimination of the tangible personal property tax replacement funds that the State had previously provided, have all negatively impacted the district’s revenue.
This need is unrelated to the new high school project, which is funded by a bond levy approved by voters in 2016. Those funds cannot be used for day-to-day operating needs, such as teachers in the classroom, technology, utilities or transportation.
“Our community is valued in many ways because of our excellent schools,” stated superintendent, Carla Birney. “Now, we find ourselves at a crossroads - we can either seek additional funding to preserve our current operations or reduce our programs and services.”
The levy will cost property owners about $27 dollar per month more in taxes for each $100,000 dollars of property value. Funding from the levy will be used for day-to-day operations including maintaining technology to prepare students for college and the workforce, preserving current staff levels, and providing additional resources to enhance safety in our schools.
“Placing a levy on the ballot is a critical decision for our schools and community,” stated Mastin. “Our plan is to work with our residents and taxpayers to communicate what’s at stake this fall.”
Treasurer Marsha Clark will submit the request to the Tuscarawas County Auditor’s Office. If approved by the auditor, the board would vote a final time later this month to place the issue on the November ballot.
Posted: Wednesday, July 18, 2018