Margaretta school consider options after string of levy failures

By SUSAN MCMILLAN

mcmillan@sanduskyregister.com

CASTALIA

The millage Margaretta Schools voters rejected on Tuesday is out of the running as the school board considers another levy attempt in August.

In place of the 5.9 mills are levy options of 6.9, 9.66 and 12.5 mills.

Voters are likely to see one of those on the ballot in August, but school leaders are also looking ahead to November, which is their first opportunity to ask for the renewal of a 7.75-mill levy that expires next year.

As the board decides what to put on the ballot and when, the state looking over its shoulder. Ohio Department of Education staff will visit with administrators on May 14 and 19 to gather information and start talking about how the district can reach a balanced budget.

"They're going to be a lot more interested in what goes on in Margaretta Schools from this point forward," treasurer Jude Hammond said.

The school board asked the Erie County Auditor's office to certify property tax amounts that would be needed to bring in $1.2 million, $1.7 million or more than $2 million per year -- anticipated to come to 6.9, 9.66 and 12.5 mills, respectively.

They have until May 20 to decide which they want to put on the ballot.

The smallest would buy Margaretta Schools two years before it runs out of money. The 9.66-mill levy would provide surpluses for the remainder of the five-year forecast.

If the school board decides to ask for 12.5 mills, they would promise to forego renewal of the 7.75-mill levy. The latter collects at about 5 mills now, so property owners would see their taxes rise and then fall somewhat in two years.

Hammond prepared a resolution for a 5.9-mill levy, but board members decided it wouldn't keep them in the black long enough.

"I don't think that's an option," Mark Bodey said.

"It doesn't save us another year," Roger Stark added.

More than 30 people attended the meeting Friday. Many gathered outside afterward complained about the board and administrators.

They said school leaders have practiced nepotism and have wasted taxpayer money by building an addition at Margaretta Elementary, employing too many administrators and trying to fire kindergarten teacher Sally Smith.

"I'm laid off," said Gregg Bauman, the father of a kindergarten student. "They have to realize, we don't have what we had a few years ago."