25°Margaretta school consider options after string of levy failures
May 10
2010
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."
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08:52 AM
June says
Wow.... so property appraisals have gone down or remained unchanged. Someone needs to tell the Sandusky County appraisers and auditors office this information. Townsend Township residents were stung last fall with property appraisals.03:21 PM
PolarBear24 says
I guess I am confused now since this first article link talks about how the triennial update was completed in 2009 and the second link, from an article today, talks about how they are just now beginning the appeals process from these re-evaluations.http://www.sanduskyregister.com/articles/2009/11/04/front/1705717.txt
http://www.sanduskyregister.com/articles/2010/05/18/front/doc4bf2d6a7b20...
12:45 PM
Be_informed says
PolarBear24I am from Erie County..I also know that the audits will not happen until sometime in the month of September in our area. I do know this. I check into things. That is how I stay informed. You need to do the same.
06:35 AM
PolarBear24 says
Be_Informed,The Auditor's Office has already reviewed home values for 2010 in Erie County and they decided to leave the values the same. It was in the paper multiple times many months ago. Your name would lead someone to believe that you would have already known this. Unless that is you live in another county.
01:06 AM
Be_informed says
Logistics:If you own a home anywhere. You might have noticed but the home values have dropped. What is the school board going to do when they don't get the taxes they have been getting. Yes this is the year that the county comes around and evals for property taxes. You bet it's going to drop. Just think Mark you might not have to pay as much next time..can you keep up?
10:39 AM
outsider says
Logistics,If what you say is true than the community must be filled with immature and senseless people. Five or six levies have failed in a row. Not sure I want my kids to attend Margaretta schools, they must be teaching multi grades levels of immature and senseless. Just following your logic.
09:08 AM
Logistics says
Just a quick reminder for the NO voters on the levy. You worry about paying more taxes? That won't matter so much when your homes value depreciates drastically when it is located in a district without a school system. Good luck with selling your home when this happens. Taxes will be the least of your worries whe your 150,000 dollar home is suddenly worth half that amount, if you can even sell it at all. Real estate values in Castalia have traditionally been above average, partially due to the fact that we have a safe and community based school system. It's time to wake up and look at the whole picture! Basing your vote on the fact that you don't like Ed Kurt or Roger or Mark is immature and senseless, not to mention self-destructing, simply due to the effect losing our school system will have on real estate values in our area.04:37 AM
Common Sense says
Re: outsiderPlease reread my post. I did not post anything concerning money. What I did say is that the cry for new leadership is ridiculous when the community members who complain the loudest won't take the lead by running for the board of education. If you want change, then go out and make it happen! Crying over spilled milk doesn't clean it up. Just a thought..
If you believe that the current board of education are not calling the right shots, step up and run for office. The current method of trying to effect change from the sidelines is not working. If you "want to call the shots", step in to the shoes of the board of education and then you can see the full picture. You can then push for the removal of any an all "dead wood". The baord of education is the executive in charge of the superintendent. They will hire/fire as they see fit. Just a thought..
You want the school board to listen? Then, get on the school board. How many new faces ran for the school board the last time Margaretta had an election? Just a thought..
As for the money, here's something to chew on. Expenses have gone up all over the place, including schools. However, in the case of Margaretta, I believe that some of the anger appears to sit with the idea of building a new gym and bringing in portable classrooms. Does anyone know what the cost of that was versus the expenditure of keeping Townsend School open? If I were a resident, that's where I would start my campaign and then I would seek the reduction of "friends" in the high posts, whether it would be to freeze salaries, take a cut, or remove all together.
Oh, and by the way, let's also set the record straight concerning the Perkins raid of the Sandusky School system of their students and tax dollars. Sandusky City Schools had open enrollment long before Perkins did. The opportunity to "raid" the Perkins Local Schools of their students and state dollars was in place long before Perkins made their move. The only difference was that Sandusky did not tell the public how much state $$ came with each student, downplaying the idea that open enrollment could mean a better cash flow.
The choice to come to Perkins Schools is just that...a choice. Not everyone is guaranteed a spot.
06:39 PM
outsider says
Let the school district fade away. Do we need government bailouts like GM, Chrysler, AIG in the education system? Perkins has the same mentality as all the other school districts. We deserve it ..pay ,pay,pay. Perkins just postponed the beg for money because they raided the Sandusky School system of their students and state tax dollars prior to crying poor. The public has had enough and is not going to pay it anymore.03:20 PM
indolent indiff... says
Yesterday the paper in extolling the virtues of Perkins said in 2012 they will be in the red 4 million dollars. That is 10 times the problem in Margaretta. that is without the state cutting the budget like Murray and Gardner promised. You blame this on the board when it is the board that has kept this ship a float this long.12:52 PM
outsider says
How about the school board listen to the public and live within their budget. They have been told 12 times by the voting community they don't want to spend anymore of their money. Twelve times the school board has not listened. What's the problem? You tend to get the impression that the school administration and board do not listen or have another agenda. Maybe the general public is tired of the administration and board not listening. Just a thought.12:47 PM
outsider says
Common sense,As a taxpayer don't I deserve the right to "call the shots" to where my money goes? Just trying to get a handle on where you are coming from?
12:43 PM
outsider says
Common sense,So remaining status quo is despicable and disgusting ? Saying enough is enough is bad? Your suggestion of continuing to hand over more and more money to a government institution like a school is correct? Where do you stop just handing over money? Should we continue to pay what all local, state and federal government funded organization ask for? Just like to know your thoughts.
10:33 AM
Common Sense says
What type of superintendent do you think will replace Ed Kurt? What person in their right mind would willingly come to a district that has not passed a levy in 12 years? What educator would want to subject themselves to a community that whines and pouts and "won't play" unless they call the shots? Who wants to run for a board office when all of you are unhappy, yet you won't step forward to lead? As my dear, departed father would say, "You've got a real yellow streak goin' down your back."Now, it's time for all of you to get off your soapbox and lead the community back to its point of pride. The example you are setting for your children is despicable and disgusting.
07:22 AM
outsider says
Soccermom10,Are you trying to buy my vote? If you will pay whatever to keep the school district running then you can pay my taxes. Where do you want me to send the paperwork? Im sure there are a whole bunch more of us who are willing to sell our vote if your willing to pay. Lets see how much money are you willing to pony up or are you just a lot of talk without substance? I will be awaiting your response.
05:53 PM
soccermom10 says
Does community pride & support mean nothing anymore?I understand that economically, times are tough! We're all feeling it. But if our students don't get a good education, what jobs will they be qualified for?! If Margaretta closes, what will that do to the local economy....if we thought the folks of Castalia were hurting for jobs before, look at all of the jobs that will be lost when the school can't afford to operate anymore.
05:49 PM
soccermom10 says
OutsiderWhat I don't think people realize is that EVERY school district around Margaretta has a higher tax rate (even if the new levy passes). So if the school falls apart, and the community gets re-districted....have fun paying even more than you could for a strong community based school. Enjoy having all of the Margaretta students go to Clyde, Fremont, Bellevue, Sandusky & Perkins - I'm sure that's the choice everybody who votes NO wants. Have fun paying MORE taxes! I'll pay whatever I have to in order to keep this school district up and running!
03:40 PM
outsider says
soccermom10,Spending money you don't have is ignorant. Guess what? I'm voting "no" for my children. My first responsibility is to feed, clothe and put a roof over their heads.
Hmm,
So what is your solution? Keep feeding the obese child (school). Keep feeding the obese adult (state government)? So, enlighten us.
08:52 AM
June says
Wow.... so property appraisals have gone down or remained unchanged. Someone needs to tell the Sandusky County appraisers and auditors office this information. Townsend Township residents were stung last fall with property appraisals.03:21 PM
PolarBear24 says
I guess I am confused now since this first article link talks about how the triennial update was completed in 2009 and the second link, from an article today, talks about how they are just now beginning the appeals process from these re-evaluations.http://www.sanduskyregister.com/articles/2009/11/04/front/1705717.txt
http://www.sanduskyregister.com/articles/2010/05/18/front/doc4bf2d6a7b20...
12:45 PM
Be_informed says
PolarBear24I am from Erie County..I also know that the audits will not happen until sometime in the month of September in our area. I do know this. I check into things. That is how I stay informed. You need to do the same.
06:35 AM
PolarBear24 says
Be_Informed,The Auditor's Office has already reviewed home values for 2010 in Erie County and they decided to leave the values the same. It was in the paper multiple times many months ago. Your name would lead someone to believe that you would have already known this. Unless that is you live in another county.
01:06 AM
Be_informed says
Logistics:If you own a home anywhere. You might have noticed but the home values have dropped. What is the school board going to do when they don't get the taxes they have been getting. Yes this is the year that the county comes around and evals for property taxes. You bet it's going to drop. Just think Mark you might not have to pay as much next time..can you keep up?
10:39 AM
outsider says
Logistics,If what you say is true than the community must be filled with immature and senseless people. Five or six levies have failed in a row. Not sure I want my kids to attend Margaretta schools, they must be teaching multi grades levels of immature and senseless. Just following your logic.
09:08 AM
Logistics says
Just a quick reminder for the NO voters on the levy. You worry about paying more taxes? That won't matter so much when your homes value depreciates drastically when it is located in a district without a school system. Good luck with selling your home when this happens. Taxes will be the least of your worries whe your 150,000 dollar home is suddenly worth half that amount, if you can even sell it at all. Real estate values in Castalia have traditionally been above average, partially due to the fact that we have a safe and community based school system. It's time to wake up and look at the whole picture! Basing your vote on the fact that you don't like Ed Kurt or Roger or Mark is immature and senseless, not to mention self-destructing, simply due to the effect losing our school system will have on real estate values in our area.04:37 AM
Common Sense says
Re: outsiderPlease reread my post. I did not post anything concerning money. What I did say is that the cry for new leadership is ridiculous when the community members who complain the loudest won't take the lead by running for the board of education. If you want change, then go out and make it happen! Crying over spilled milk doesn't clean it up. Just a thought..
If you believe that the current board of education are not calling the right shots, step up and run for office. The current method of trying to effect change from the sidelines is not working. If you "want to call the shots", step in to the shoes of the board of education and then you can see the full picture. You can then push for the removal of any an all "dead wood". The baord of education is the executive in charge of the superintendent. They will hire/fire as they see fit. Just a thought..
You want the school board to listen? Then, get on the school board. How many new faces ran for the school board the last time Margaretta had an election? Just a thought..
As for the money, here's something to chew on. Expenses have gone up all over the place, including schools. However, in the case of Margaretta, I believe that some of the anger appears to sit with the idea of building a new gym and bringing in portable classrooms. Does anyone know what the cost of that was versus the expenditure of keeping Townsend School open? If I were a resident, that's where I would start my campaign and then I would seek the reduction of "friends" in the high posts, whether it would be to freeze salaries, take a cut, or remove all together.
Oh, and by the way, let's also set the record straight concerning the Perkins raid of the Sandusky School system of their students and tax dollars. Sandusky City Schools had open enrollment long before Perkins did. The opportunity to "raid" the Perkins Local Schools of their students and state dollars was in place long before Perkins made their move. The only difference was that Sandusky did not tell the public how much state $$ came with each student, downplaying the idea that open enrollment could mean a better cash flow.
The choice to come to Perkins Schools is just that...a choice. Not everyone is guaranteed a spot.
06:39 PM
outsider says
Let the school district fade away. Do we need government bailouts like GM, Chrysler, AIG in the education system? Perkins has the same mentality as all the other school districts. We deserve it ..pay ,pay,pay. Perkins just postponed the beg for money because they raided the Sandusky School system of their students and state tax dollars prior to crying poor. The public has had enough and is not going to pay it anymore.03:20 PM
indolent indiff... says
Yesterday the paper in extolling the virtues of Perkins said in 2012 they will be in the red 4 million dollars. That is 10 times the problem in Margaretta. that is without the state cutting the budget like Murray and Gardner promised. You blame this on the board when it is the board that has kept this ship a float this long.12:52 PM
outsider says
How about the school board listen to the public and live within their budget. They have been told 12 times by the voting community they don't want to spend anymore of their money. Twelve times the school board has not listened. What's the problem? You tend to get the impression that the school administration and board do not listen or have another agenda. Maybe the general public is tired of the administration and board not listening. Just a thought.12:47 PM
outsider says
Common sense,As a taxpayer don't I deserve the right to "call the shots" to where my money goes? Just trying to get a handle on where you are coming from?
12:43 PM
outsider says
Common sense,So remaining status quo is despicable and disgusting ? Saying enough is enough is bad? Your suggestion of continuing to hand over more and more money to a government institution like a school is correct? Where do you stop just handing over money? Should we continue to pay what all local, state and federal government funded organization ask for? Just like to know your thoughts.
10:33 AM
Common Sense says
What type of superintendent do you think will replace Ed Kurt? What person in their right mind would willingly come to a district that has not passed a levy in 12 years? What educator would want to subject themselves to a community that whines and pouts and "won't play" unless they call the shots? Who wants to run for a board office when all of you are unhappy, yet you won't step forward to lead? As my dear, departed father would say, "You've got a real yellow streak goin' down your back."Now, it's time for all of you to get off your soapbox and lead the community back to its point of pride. The example you are setting for your children is despicable and disgusting.
07:22 AM
outsider says
Soccermom10,Are you trying to buy my vote? If you will pay whatever to keep the school district running then you can pay my taxes. Where do you want me to send the paperwork? Im sure there are a whole bunch more of us who are willing to sell our vote if your willing to pay. Lets see how much money are you willing to pony up or are you just a lot of talk without substance? I will be awaiting your response.
05:53 PM
soccermom10 says
Does community pride & support mean nothing anymore?I understand that economically, times are tough! We're all feeling it. But if our students don't get a good education, what jobs will they be qualified for?! If Margaretta closes, what will that do to the local economy....if we thought the folks of Castalia were hurting for jobs before, look at all of the jobs that will be lost when the school can't afford to operate anymore.
05:49 PM
soccermom10 says
OutsiderWhat I don't think people realize is that EVERY school district around Margaretta has a higher tax rate (even if the new levy passes). So if the school falls apart, and the community gets re-districted....have fun paying even more than you could for a strong community based school. Enjoy having all of the Margaretta students go to Clyde, Fremont, Bellevue, Sandusky & Perkins - I'm sure that's the choice everybody who votes NO wants. Have fun paying MORE taxes! I'll pay whatever I have to in order to keep this school district up and running!
03:40 PM
outsider says
soccermom10,Spending money you don't have is ignorant. Guess what? I'm voting "no" for my children. My first responsibility is to feed, clothe and put a roof over their heads.
Hmm,
So what is your solution? Keep feeding the obese child (school). Keep feeding the obese adult (state government)? So, enlighten us.
08:52 AM
June says
Wow.... so property appraisals have gone down or remained unchanged. Someone needs to tell the Sandusky County appraisers and auditors office this information. Townsend Township residents were stung last fall with property appraisals.03:21 PM
PolarBear24 says
I guess I am confused now since this first article link talks about how the triennial update was completed in 2009 and the second link, from an article today, talks about how they are just now beginning the appeals process from these re-evaluations.http://www.sanduskyregister.com/articles/2009/11/04/front/1705717.txt
http://www.sanduskyregister.com/articles/2010/05/18/front/doc4bf2d6a7b20...
12:45 PM
Be_informed says
PolarBear24I am from Erie County..I also know that the audits will not happen until sometime in the month of September in our area. I do know this. I check into things. That is how I stay informed. You need to do the same.
06:35 AM
PolarBear24 says
Be_Informed,The Auditor's Office has already reviewed home values for 2010 in Erie County and they decided to leave the values the same. It was in the paper multiple times many months ago. Your name would lead someone to believe that you would have already known this. Unless that is you live in another county.
01:06 AM
Be_informed says
Logistics:If you own a home anywhere. You might have noticed but the home values have dropped. What is the school board going to do when they don't get the taxes they have been getting. Yes this is the year that the county comes around and evals for property taxes. You bet it's going to drop. Just think Mark you might not have to pay as much next time..can you keep up?
10:39 AM
outsider says
Logistics,If what you say is true than the community must be filled with immature and senseless people. Five or six levies have failed in a row. Not sure I want my kids to attend Margaretta schools, they must be teaching multi grades levels of immature and senseless. Just following your logic.
09:08 AM
Logistics says
Just a quick reminder for the NO voters on the levy. You worry about paying more taxes? That won't matter so much when your homes value depreciates drastically when it is located in a district without a school system. Good luck with selling your home when this happens. Taxes will be the least of your worries whe your 150,000 dollar home is suddenly worth half that amount, if you can even sell it at all. Real estate values in Castalia have traditionally been above average, partially due to the fact that we have a safe and community based school system. It's time to wake up and look at the whole picture! Basing your vote on the fact that you don't like Ed Kurt or Roger or Mark is immature and senseless, not to mention self-destructing, simply due to the effect losing our school system will have on real estate values in our area.04:37 AM
Common Sense says
Re: outsiderPlease reread my post. I did not post anything concerning money. What I did say is that the cry for new leadership is ridiculous when the community members who complain the loudest won't take the lead by running for the board of education. If you want change, then go out and make it happen! Crying over spilled milk doesn't clean it up. Just a thought..
If you believe that the current board of education are not calling the right shots, step up and run for office. The current method of trying to effect change from the sidelines is not working. If you "want to call the shots", step in to the shoes of the board of education and then you can see the full picture. You can then push for the removal of any an all "dead wood". The baord of education is the executive in charge of the superintendent. They will hire/fire as they see fit. Just a thought..
You want the school board to listen? Then, get on the school board. How many new faces ran for the school board the last time Margaretta had an election? Just a thought..
As for the money, here's something to chew on. Expenses have gone up all over the place, including schools. However, in the case of Margaretta, I believe that some of the anger appears to sit with the idea of building a new gym and bringing in portable classrooms. Does anyone know what the cost of that was versus the expenditure of keeping Townsend School open? If I were a resident, that's where I would start my campaign and then I would seek the reduction of "friends" in the high posts, whether it would be to freeze salaries, take a cut, or remove all together.
Oh, and by the way, let's also set the record straight concerning the Perkins raid of the Sandusky School system of their students and tax dollars. Sandusky City Schools had open enrollment long before Perkins did. The opportunity to "raid" the Perkins Local Schools of their students and state dollars was in place long before Perkins made their move. The only difference was that Sandusky did not tell the public how much state $$ came with each student, downplaying the idea that open enrollment could mean a better cash flow.
The choice to come to Perkins Schools is just that...a choice. Not everyone is guaranteed a spot.
06:39 PM
outsider says
Let the school district fade away. Do we need government bailouts like GM, Chrysler, AIG in the education system? Perkins has the same mentality as all the other school districts. We deserve it ..pay ,pay,pay. Perkins just postponed the beg for money because they raided the Sandusky School system of their students and state tax dollars prior to crying poor. The public has had enough and is not going to pay it anymore.03:20 PM
indolent indiff... says
Yesterday the paper in extolling the virtues of Perkins said in 2012 they will be in the red 4 million dollars. That is 10 times the problem in Margaretta. that is without the state cutting the budget like Murray and Gardner promised. You blame this on the board when it is the board that has kept this ship a float this long.12:52 PM
outsider says
How about the school board listen to the public and live within their budget. They have been told 12 times by the voting community they don't want to spend anymore of their money. Twelve times the school board has not listened. What's the problem? You tend to get the impression that the school administration and board do not listen or have another agenda. Maybe the general public is tired of the administration and board not listening. Just a thought.12:47 PM
outsider says
Common sense,As a taxpayer don't I deserve the right to "call the shots" to where my money goes? Just trying to get a handle on where you are coming from?
12:43 PM
outsider says
Common sense,So remaining status quo is despicable and disgusting ? Saying enough is enough is bad? Your suggestion of continuing to hand over more and more money to a government institution like a school is correct? Where do you stop just handing over money? Should we continue to pay what all local, state and federal government funded organization ask for? Just like to know your thoughts.
10:33 AM
Common Sense says
What type of superintendent do you think will replace Ed Kurt? What person in their right mind would willingly come to a district that has not passed a levy in 12 years? What educator would want to subject themselves to a community that whines and pouts and "won't play" unless they call the shots? Who wants to run for a board office when all of you are unhappy, yet you won't step forward to lead? As my dear, departed father would say, "You've got a real yellow streak goin' down your back."Now, it's time for all of you to get off your soapbox and lead the community back to its point of pride. The example you are setting for your children is despicable and disgusting.