ASHLAND — Ashland City School District officials have stressed the importance of passing a renewal levy coming up on the ballot next week.
But what does it mean for voters?
The levy was first voted on in 2004 and generates $5.1 million annually. The 9.9 mills levy is a renewal — meaning it will not involve any additional taxation.
“This is for general operations, paying for anything and everything for the school district,” said district treasurer Kyle Klingler.
He said the levy represents a significant part of the district’s $36 million budget, including salaries and instructional supplies.
The homeowner of a $126,000 house, the typical home value in Ashland according to Zillow, will owe a little over $1,200 a year, or $104 a month. Again, this is money that’s already being paid by such a property owner, there is no new tax here.
Officials have made announcements about the importance of passing the renewal levy during home high school football games since the beginning of the season. Recently, the Ashland City Teachers Association authored an op-ed encouraging voters to approve the levy.
“The renewal of this levy will enable our district to continue to serve our children at every level of instruction,” wrote the association.
The authors then highlighted how tax dollars are being spent at every district building.
“Every penny of our current budget is needed to continue to ensure the level of support our students are receiving,” the op-ed reads.
The school board does its share of promoting the renewal of the levy, too. Yard signs line the tables where the board and other officials sit.
“It’s extremely important … we do need your support,” said Gina Deppert, a school board member who is also running for re-election, at a recent school board meeting. “This is a general operations expenditure, it’s important for every Ashland City Arrow to receive these funds.”
