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Little Miami school levy fails

Lynn Steinkirchner, a junior high PTO president and school volunteer, reacts after learning the Little Miami school levy failed on Tuesday, May 5.

Samantha Grier Lynn Steinkirchner, a junior high PTO president and school volunteer, reacts after learning the Little Miami school levy failed on Tuesday, May 5.

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By Ryan Cook, Staff Writer Updated 12:55 AM Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Voters in the Little Miami School District overwhelmingly voted Tuesday, May 5, against a operating levy by a margin of 58 to 42 percent.

According to unofficial results from the Warren County Board of Elections, 5,239 votes were cast against the levy and 3,839 votes were for it.

The district was asking for a 3-year, 9.95 mill operating levy that would have cost the owner of a $150,000 home an extra $457 per year.

“This is a very critical time for our district, and tonight’s results are quite disappointing for our students, schools and staff,” Superintendent Dan Bennett said.

The district will now begin to implement more than $5 million in cuts before the start of the 2009-2010 school year, Bennett said.

“I feel bad for the kids in the district,” said pro-levy campaign chairman Herb Mayer. “Our children are going to suffer.”

The school board will meet at 7 p.m., Tuesday, May 19, in the high school media center to discuss the next steps for the district.

“The coming days and weeks will be extremely difficult as we cut a total of 82.5 positions, say good-bye to valuable employees, and close the doors to two beloved community schools,” Bennett said.

Cuts will include additional administrative and certified staff reductions of more than $1.5 million, busing only students who live more than two miles from their school, offering Advanced Placement and elective classes at state minimums, closing the kindergarten annex and Butlerville and Morrow elementary schools and charging full pay-to-participate fees of about $430 for all extracurricular activities. The district is also considering a change in its kindergarten schedule to all-day, every other day classes.

Bennett is now pushing for reform in the state’s school funding system.

“We believe the outcome of this election emphasizes the need for a school funding reform in the state of Ohio,” he said. “Districts are forced to continually return to their local communities, asking for support of tax issues. The result is division.”

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What part of NO doesn't Little Miami School Board Understand ?

VOTE NO to HIGHER TAXES
11:26 PM, 11/17/2009

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As for M Johnson, mail Little Miami Schools a check from where ever you live; they will be happy to cash it!

mad
11:28 AM, 11/13/2009

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I have children in this district and we can not afford any new taxes. Last I heard the United States was a Democracy and when the people voted their vote became law. I guess that only works if the vote goes the way they (LM School Board) wants it to go. So I guess LM will not lose at any cost ie. the money it cost to keep putting on the ballot and cramming this levy down our throats.

mad
11:27 AM, 11/13/2009

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It seems to me when these things don't pass, people like "panther pride" start calling people names like "IDIOT". If they care,let them give money and leave people alone that can't. I do have children in school, but I cannot afford to pay that kind of money. That doesn't make me an idiot, just poor I guess. If you are unhappy, move, or home school your poor child or children. If you name call, maybe they are better off in school. That way they get away from your abuse and name calling.

no name calling
1:44 AM, 11/8/2009

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most workers are taking pay reductions of some kind why is it the principal and teachers alike cannot do the same to help the school most teachers are off 3 mths a year and can moonlight if they so choose so let them take a little paycut and work during the summer to make up for there paycut to help their school. Good luck finding that work people are hurting and just dont have it to give right now. And remember if they have to move out of state for work you are losing their taxes anyways.

sandra
10:27 PM, 11/7/2009

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