RICHMOND - Big changes that could be in store for the Edison Local School District if the proposed 9.45-mill continuous operating levy isn't approved by voters on March 6 were discussed at Tuesday's regular board meeting.
The board approved a budget reduction plan that will see the budget cut by the needed $1.5 million to operate out of deficit if the levy fails, according to administrators.
The plan includes cuts to certified and classified salaries and wages, transportation cuts including eliminating busing for ninth through 12th grades, changes to extracurricular activities such as pay to participate and consumable supplies and book fees.
"As a board member, none of this is enjoyable to think of cutting these things, but we must keep our district fiscally sound. Hopefully the levy will pass, but if not we will continue to do what we have to do," said Scott Lockhart, board member.
The proposed 9.45-mill levy would generate approximately $3 million year and would go toward maintaining existing programs and preventing additional cuts and closures in the district.
It is those cuts that Superintendent David Quattrochi hopes to prevent.
"It would be a lot cheaper for residents to pass this levy than to pay for the measures we will have to put in place if it doesn't pass," said Quattrochi.
For a $100,000 home, the levy will cost an extra $24 per month. Senior citizens age 65 or older, through the Homestead Exemption, would pay approximately $18 per month.
Quattrochi plans to hold another week of public community forums to discuss the levy's importance. These forums are tentatively scheduled for the last week of February and into March with dates and times to be announced. The forums also will provide a more detailed breakdown of the proposed budget reduction plan. This follows the first set of forums Quattrochi held in January.
"I'm going to go back out and let the public know exactly what will happen with these reductions. Everything has to be done with the quality of education in mind," said Quattrochi. "Hopefully we can come together and find a local commitment because, compared to other districts we are way down on our millage."
Also at Tuesday's board meeting, Lockhart was recognized for earning an Ohio School Boards Association Award of Achievement. He will be recognized at a regional spring conference on March 7 in Rittman. The award of achievement is given to school board members in recognition of their commitment to training and leadership activities on their boards of education and region and statewide OSBA activities.
The board also:
Approved additions to the classified supplemental contracts.
Accepted the resignation of Katherine Martin, bus driver, effective Jan. 27.
Appointed Larry Crow, board president, to the tax incentive review council.
Endorsed the Indian Creek Local School District's effort to pass a 3.5-mill bond issue for construction of a new high school and a 1.45-mill operating levy.
Approved the temporary release of Michael McCartner to Indian Creek schools for transportation purposes only.
(Kins can be contacted at jkins@heraldstaronline.com.)
