The levy will cost homeowners over 10% increase in what they currently pay in property taxes every 6 months for the next 10 years starting very quickly with their February bill which most have only saved up for what they already expect. The median home value in Stow is almost double what the smaller example shows from the county so here are some numbers for you to digest if you can stomach it:
A 6.57-mill 10-year levy would generate $65 million for the district and would cost the owner of $200,000 home (average value in Stow):
•$4024.20 levy duration
•$402.42 annually
•$201.21 for half a year (increase due beginning THIS February)
•$33.54 a month
•$1.10 per a day

The owner of a $250,000 home will pay an increase of:
•$5030.20 levy duration
•$503.20 annually
•$251.51 for half a year (increase due beginning THIS February)
•$41.91 a month
•$1.40 per a day

Also, don't forget that the 7.61 mill levy passed in November 2007 will expire in 2012, so you'll also see that on the ballot next year. Or, will they try to combine the impending renewal with this new levy if it doesn't pass in November? At least if they did that (although a very crude and conniving way to pressure voters) next year it would put off the collection further out and help people try to work extra jobs to save up for the increase.

I have a professional marketing friend who would like to help voters create signs to help let everyone know about the levy in November and to support struggling homeowners, senior citizens and anyone who's been hurt by this economy and feels it's the wrong time to ask homeowners for a property tax increase. This is a free service and no funds are being asked for. He will create slogans, help make the signs, or help you with your idea and your materials or he can help get the materials with you. He knows we don't have big budgets like the school district does to get metal signs made, but there are cheaper ways. Knowing how to write it so it can be easily read is important. There are some good citizens who took the initiative to create their own signs this past Tuesday, but some were hard to read and he can help with that if you'd like. He's not anti-school or anything like that. He just knows how hard it is for many people in this terrible economy and has seen friends and relatives suffer. If you're interested please email stowvoterSOS@hotmail.com
This is not affiliated with any political party or agenda. Just someone wanted to help with signs so the public is well informed.

Example of signs:
CAN YOU AFFORD
10% TAX INCREASE?
VOTE NOV. 8

SUPPORT
STRUGGLING
HOMEOWNERS
Vote NO Issue ___

$5O MILLION+
Annual School Budget
WHAT Emergency?!
VOTE NO

TAX ISSUE ___
IN THIS ECONOMY?
Vote NO on NOV 8

SUPPORT OUR
SENIOR CITIZENS
Vote NO New TAX

It would help to establish, through independent facts & figures, just where school employees' earnings are re their private sector counterparts: custodians through teachers. Then, the people's representatives on the school board need to be directed by their constituents to act accordingly. It's already been determined that the "Cadillac benefits" formerly negotiated were not justified; what about no more than the "mean average" for a given trade/profession based on DOL statistics as a starting point? Unrealistic/costly requirements for the continuing education of teachers also needs to be addressed. What about the installation of sidewalks where none exist vs busing students? The list goes on.

what a joke !!!!!!!!!!!!!!.what no Superintendent at emergency meeting. Where is the superintendent??? Is he not a part of the board or was he not notified like most of the tax payers of levy on ballot Aug 2?.VOTE NO AGAIN AND WASTE MORE TAXPAYERS MONEY!!!!!!!!!!

Vote No!!!!

More people in Stow can afford the tax hike than cannot. If you drive through the neighborhoods of Stow you will see additions being built onto existing homes, expensive landscape work being done, and many nice vehicles parked in driveways. Yet, the levy will fail in November. The school system is beginning to pay for all of the times that they insulted and spoke in condescending tones to parents who questioned what the school system was teaching and how they were teaching it. Their arrogant attitude of "We have degrees in education and you do not," will haunt them. It started with "Investigative Math" and it continues with "International Baccalaureate." Instead of asking themselves "What are we doing wrong?", they label the voters "uneducated Stowbillies" and "Tea Party lunatics." You reap what you sow.

I'm sorry, but what neighborhoods are you referring to James? Certainly not my section of town. Across the street a house was foreclosed on. Two house down another house is about to be sold via foreclosure. Numerous people on our street have lot their jobs and the lucky few who have found new employment have taken severe pay cuts. I disagree that more people can afford the tax hike than not. I do agree with the rest of your comments though. The Levy is going to fail again in November and it's insulting to the people of Stow to put it right back on the ballot 3 months later. We have spoken already.

Get rid of the school vice principals and hall monitors. They are completely not necessary. In February of last year, a school bus driver threatened to kill the kids on the bus, they called every student on the bus a liar, threatened them not to talk about it, and threatened the parents. The school bus driver now drives for Woodland Elementary. If the school cared about the students, then how?

I agree that there other reasons some people voted against the levy besides money and that's something the schools actually can do something about if they chose to. Listening to parents and teachers instead of ramming a program through like IB, that will be expensive and borderline EU indoctrination, would be wise.

Also, just because you see nice landscaping in a neighborhood does not mean they haven't been hurt financially. Looks are deceiving. I have friends who live in Pambi Farms. It all ain't rosy there either despite seeing nice homes. There have been foreclosures there too. My friends neighbor did well for years, then the economy tanked and they were out of a job. Another neighbor took a huge paycut in order for the company to save jobs. The school has not endured these kinds of things like most workers. They have not endured pay cuts or much job loss. Voters do not see an "emergency" compared to what they see in their own lives and in their own neighborhoods. Therefore, voters have spoken that they want the school district to live within the current revenue. Voters support the district and passed last year's renewal. Voters have done the best they can.
It still amazes me why that vote didn't really count and we have to vote again in 3 months. Why is that allowed? So, if it passes in November, can those who voted 'no' get it back on the ballot again to have a third vote? Of course not. Seems strange doesn't it.

I only have to meet a 51% threshhold to imply that more can afford the tax hike than cannot. Drive through Hunter's Crossing, Pambi Farms, Springbrook Reserve, Eastwicke Farms, Quail Highlands, Partridge Highlands, L'Ermitage, LaColline Estates, Kenwood Knolls, The Meadows, Heather Hills, Crestdale Estates, Shadow Creek Estates, Wyoga Lake Estates, Lakeside Commons, Highland Chase, Rockport Colony, Le Pas, Stow Woods, Edgebrook, Sherwood Acres, Emerald Woods Estates, Pebblehurst, and Timbercreek Estates to just name a few. Look at the vehicles parked in the driveway. Better yet, drive through on trash collection day and look at what they discard. You'll see boxes for new computers, plasma televisions, and various other expensive appliances and toys. More than half the people in Stow are doing quite well but that is no reason to pass a school levy.

Well, if there are 51% doing well I'm glad they're looking out for those who aren't doing well and voted down the levy. Stow doesn't need anymore folks forced out of their homes and I personally know some who have had to foreclose which hurts us all. I know some who couldn't pay their property taxes and the condo went for auction to cover the back taxes. And, I'm glad the teachers and administors are among those doing well. Hence the reason, there is no 'emergency' with the district if you account for the ability they have to make more cuts, increase classroom sizes and eliminate expensive long term programs like IB. Their budget is over $50,000,000 ANNUALLY. And one more big reason to vote down the levy. It relies solely on homeowners instead of all users of the system. We must find a more fair way to tax everyone including those who use the system (by having children) yet don't contribute financially and rely on everyone else. Sales tax would do that and maybe young people will be more responsible before having children and think of the cost they will incur. My wife worked with one young girl who ended up quiting her job because she did better relying on state help since she has kids and was never married. She just needed one more child (to have 4) so the state would pay for her tubes to be tied. She has many 'baby daddies' as they say. A sales tax would cause more burden on people like that because they'd at least be contributing when they buy their expensive cell phones.

Everyone on this forum is making valid points. Let's just hope the community is paying attention to what is happening with our schools! There seems to be a majority both on this website and others that would like to see Dr. Jones leave our district as well as most if not ALL Board members. Knowing this, they are still planning to put forth the levy, they are still planning on sending the next group of teachers to Salt Lake City for IB training, and they still have not bothered to address any of these concerns with the community. There is a Board meeting on 8/8/11 at 6pm in the high school library.....Remember....Dr. Jones reports to the Board.....call the Board members and let them know that we do not approve of their actions and will rectify this come November!

Mr JAMES PISTORIO YES THER ARE HOMES IN STOW THAT ARE WELL OVER THREE THOUSAND DOLLARS. BUT WHEN YOU LOOSE YOUR JOB OR HAVE TO TAKE A CUT IN PAY OR HAVE TO PAY MORE OR ALL YOUR HEALTH CARE YOU HURT JUST AS BAD AS THOSE RESIDENT WHO OWN A HOUSE OF ONE HUNDRED THOUSAND DOLLARS. I CAN'T BELIEVE TEACHERS ARE ASKING FOR MORE AND MORE. DONT FORGET 86% OF THIS LEVY GOES FOR WAGES. JUST LOOK AROUND STOW
AND SEE FORCLOSED HOMES AND ABANDON HOMES AND WHO IN THERE RIGHT MIND WOULD ASK FOR A LEVY FOR 6.57 MIL LEVY FOR TEN YEARS. WELL THE VOTERS OF STOW SPOKE OUT AND THEY STILL DONT GET IT. THE SPECIAL AUG LEVY COST THE RESIDENTS OF STOW APPROXIMATELY$40,000.00. THE BOARD OF ELECTIONS WE BE POSTING THE ACTUAL COST THAT WAS MONEY TAKEN AWAY
FROM OUR SCHOOLS AND THE CHILDREN'S EDUCATION AND ADDITIONAL COST FOR THIS NOVEMBER 8 ELECTION.

Ed kent I went to your e/mail and it stated that your e/mail address is not property installed.
Please install your e/mail I am very interested in your signs.

Checked and emails being received just fine. Again, this is to help make signs using wither your material or he can help get the material. He can't pay for the items, but will help make them if material is provided by you or he can get the materials on your behalf and make the signs. His labor is free. He just wants to help people make better signs so people can read them. It can be handwritten and yet very effective. These will not be manufactured by a company unless a company would step forward to help too.

Correction. He is looking into having a company make signs and will be getting prices for that if you are interested, or he can just help you create your own if you want (his labor is free). It depends on how many signs are needed (how many orders for manufactured signs). Costs will be emailed to those interested.
email stowvoterSOS@hotmail.com

Mr. Bettio - There are people in Stow who are struggling However, most are not. Most can afford this levy. That's what drives the school system people crazy. They think like President Obama. Because the money is there we're supposed to just give it to them. The National Education Association has gone so far to the left that they have alienated veterans like you and I. I'm not giving them a dime if they're going to institute programs like IB which is overseen by anti-American organizations.

Misty - There are approximately 35,000 residents in Stow. If you know 1,750 of them you know 5%.

I am not overflowing in cash but my wife and I have purchased school supplies in the past for children who could not afford them.

PEARSON- What does Don and his wife pension have to do with the levy? If they worked all their lives for a job no matter if it is government or not they deserve a pension to support them in their lives after working all their lives. Times are hard for everyone rather they are on pensions or working a job or two to get by. Stick to the subject of the schools system and their sneaking moves. Are you a part of the school system Mr Cope?

to pearson cope it's amazing how much you think you know about my personal income. Maybe you should get your facts staight before you put it in writing. AND BY THE WAY , WHY AREN'T YOU MAN OR WOMAN ENOUGH TO USE YOUR REAL NAME??????????

Mr. Cope, does it really matter how Don and his wife supported themselves or if they have a government pension or 401k? Just because they may have worked for the city does not mean they cannot voice their concerns with the issues at hand, does it? They are stating opinions as well as fact. We should applaud them very getting involved in their community! I for one thank them for diligently working to inform the community on issues we would otherwise not be aware of.

How many of us would even know about IB if it weren't for Don? Did the Administration or Board address the community regarding this controversial Programme? This Programme is costing the district hundreds of thousands of $$ yet they are asking for more money? How will this Programme be funded once the ARRA money runs out? I don't believe Title I money can be used so will they ask for yet more money to fund this? Let's remember, this Programme is only at Echo Hills and Indian Trail.

We all have different views and opinions. Let us try not to attack one another.

Well said Sue, we need more people like Don and his wife to help out and speek out on the wasteful spending of our tax dollars, like the ib program in our schools and other issues along will the city issues. I also would applaud Don for all his hard work he does helping the community staying informed on current information.

Thank you sue miller and kay bee for you comments. at least someone has some intelligence in responding to persons like pearson's. let's stick to facts not sly remarks

Pearson- Like me, it looks like you decided to dive in and experience Patch. You may find that it is a lot like a car wreck, you don’t mean to watch but somehow can’t help yourself. A LOT of people I know avoid the site because of the one-sided comments that offer nothing in terms of how to help a situation but love to complain.

Don- As you are on here often railing against a system that offers ridiculous benefits to Stow Schools’ employees, I would agree that your wife collecting a pension is relevant. You also mention "those who pay more or all of their health care," as if this was something that happened to you, while not stating that you have been blessed with great health care and how you are grateful to have it in this tough economy. Have you offered to pay more for your health care or return any of your wife’s pension to help the school?

Finally, Don, it is hilarious that you attack Pearson after your double post not too long ago. Just so you know, a lot of people think you thought you were logged in under a second name to allow yourself to validate your own points. Now, you call Pearson out on his name without saying a word to all the ladies on here who didn’t put last names or the “regular” posters who are not registered voters in Stow or may not even exist. It would seem you are only concerned with calling out someone who disagrees with you.

While one of you posted that everyone on here is making valid points, it leads to questions:

Lissa- Do you know that the superintendent is in Paris or are you merely fanning the flames?

Lauren- You said, “Get rid of the school vice principals and hall monitors. They are completely not necessary.” Could you please explain what the duties are for a vice principal? I would personally wonder if such a position would allow someone to be responsible for the behavior problems so that teachers could keep teaching, but I would love to hear your ideas on how their job duties would be handled if they were gone.

This is defiantly a "heated" discussion but one sided-no. I think people have a right to be angry whether you agree with the levy or not. I do agree that we should be using real names but I completely understand why people feel they cannot use their own names. There have been many discussions around town regarding those that
are asking difficult questions of this Board and those individuals are being slighted. Is that fair to judge these parents as "tea party lunatics" for just trying to get their questions answered. Have any of us researched this levy and what the money is actually designated for? Has anyone researched this IB Programme? I for one have not, but I will. The lack of communication between the Board and community seems to be the problem. People don't like to be kept in the dark or uninformed. I think it's time for the Board to speak to the community and let everyone know where they stand on all of these issues that we are discussing here on the Patch. Shouldn't we try to keep this forum just that, an open discussion where both sides can freely voice their concerns/opinions without judgement?

Just saw insurance data on stowidiocracy site about employees benefits. Maybe one should compare apples to apples for those of you in the private sector and question why this board was satisfied with the little increase ????

apparently David, you have not been to a board meeting its only one sided "the board's side". They dont listen to what the parents or any of the people have to say. If they dont like what you say they tell you times up, when there is a subject they like you can talk as long as you like.

@Misty- I was commenting on the fact that Don said Pearson wasn't "man enough" to use his real name. I also commented that it didn't seem to bother him when others on the site did the same thing.

@michael I agree that some people may use ficticious names for personal or safety reasons, but this pearson person who may or may not have the right information to make such 3 possible innacurate statements in writing with no documentation to prove everything " he "says is quite unethical to say the least. I personally would be very careful as to what you put in writing.Best advice is to stick to facts and svoid the insinuations, everyone is entitled to an opinion and his was not that.

Yellow Rose- Were you concerned when Lissa said the superintendent was in Paris? I didn't see anyone have a problem with that. Lissa said "probably" and as yet you have offered no evidence that Pearson was incorrect. (nor has Don)

I don't know the superintendent and have no idea what he is like. She could just as easily, and randomly, have said he was taking his $118,000 and visiting homeless shelters. Why do you think she chose Paris?

You said, "Best advice is to stick to facts and svoid the insinuations" Why the double standard?

This weeks Sentry is reporting that our "emergency special election" cost between 1,000-$1,200 per precinct. We have a total of 39 precincts. Giving this district the benefit of doubt, let's just say it only cost $39,000 all while knowing most residents were not even aware of the vote and voter turnout is very low during the month of August. Ms. Matthews, please explain how you would expect the continued support of this community given all the issues that have been raised on this website alone?

I AGREE WITH SEVERAL COMPLAINTS OF GOING AFTER EACH OTHER WHEN WE ALL HAVE THE SAME REASON TO EXPRESS OUR CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT OF FREEDOM OF SPEACH. WE HAVE TO STAY TUNED ON OUR COMPLAINTS AND GET THE FACTS .WE ALL WILL BENEFIT FROM THE TRUTH AND IT WILL COME OUT AT THE END. I WILL BE GLAD TO SHOW MY PAPER WORK TO ALL WHO ASK FOR IT. THERE IS A LOT OF QUESTIONS ON THE TRUE NAMES BEING USED WELL IF I WANTED TO FIND OUT WHO YOU ARE I .OR YOU CAN CONTACT YOUR ATTORNEY AND HE CAN GET A COURT ORDER TO TO GET THIS INFORMATION. MY FEELINGS
I DON"T CARE WHO'S NAME IS ON THE E/MAIL BUT WHAT THEY SAY ==== WE MAKE OUR OWN DECISION AND THE TRUTH IS OUT . GOD BLESS D.B.

Micheal, I beleive that Mr. Jones should have been at that meeting. He is the top leader, or at least should act like one. If this is a true emergency, why was he NOT there. This attempt to pass the levy, actual was good for the community. It showed the citizens, how this board and administration works. and just by this one incident, every citizen should start requesting information from the Board of Education on Allen Road.I am sure that there are more facts out there, on how our tax dollars are being spent. And probably, not the way you think.

Check out today's (August 7, 2011) Stow Sentry. Out of the eight real estate transfers listed for Stow, three of them were sold by the Sheriff of Summit County. Does anyone understand the significance of this?

School Board president Pat Matthews is quoted as saying, "We are definitely in need of this levy...I'm surprised the community didn't understand that. "

Ms. Matthews, we understood quite well what you purport to need - and $50 + million should be more than adequate. What you don't seem to understand is that the taxpayers are maxed out, we are struggling to survive, and we aren't able - or don't want to continue to support bloated salaries and excessive benefits packages paid to school personnel. Start with Dr. Russ Jones. Cut his salary to under $100,000 a year and do away with his bonus. A Superintendent who doesn't show up for an emergency meeting, or has no idea how to live within a budget doesn't deserve a bonus - never mind the school rating is down.

I admit I was being a bit sarcastic with my remark about the super probably being on vacation in Paris. I will refrain from trying to make a joke on here since the issue is simply too serious and people can take things the wrong way. I was however, trying to point out in a lighthearted way that when a person such as that tries to say the district has a financial 'emergency', it's like a person standing in a mountain stream waist deep and crying that there's a drought. And, yes its okay if he's on vacation. He's one of the very few that work most of the year while the rest have off the majority of the summer, 2 weeks for Christmas break (are they still allowed to call it 'Christmas' break or did the Christ-hating ACLU stop that too?), spring break and other holidays. I'm all for well paid teachers and staff, but if taxpayers are hurting (which many are in this worst economic disaster our generation has witnessed) then the school has to live within the means of the residents. If that means increasing the average classroom so that the teachers who are retained can continue to make what they were making then that's what has to happen. It's not much of a choice for many I know who are out of money. It's either feed my kids and give them good healthcare or pay higher taxes so they can be in a class of 20 instead of 27. Which one do you think I'm going to choose? I must set the priorities for my family based on what I can afford. The school must do the same.

I am a single mother of two young boys and struggling very much just to try and keep things "normal". I would have loved to vote yes on this levy but to the teachers, I am sorry I didn't. $40 a month is paying a bill or it usually goes to the grocery store (is anyone aware of how much food has gone up this past year?). $40 can occasionally be a movie and popcorn on a hot summer night. I have to agree with Lissa....we all have made tough choices.....it's time this Administration and/ or Board do the same. Most of us are not in these tight situations by our own choice, but we can choose how we respond to what life has given us. I understand there is a Board meeting tomorrow night, to the Board I must ask, how will you respond?

There will be a board meeting tomorrow night, Monday August 8 @ 6:00 at the Stow High School Library. I encourage ALL to attended, and fill out a question card, of anything that is on your mind, concerning any of the issues. I beleive that this will be a Q & A meeting. So the more that come, the more answers to these questions, can be asked. Perfect opportunity, to show unity for our children, and get the answers WE deserve.

I hope those that attend the meeting will be careful to show forth dignity by not raising your voice with emotion. It makes you look fanatical in a way. If you ask questions that we all know the board won't like just remember to ask in a very low key and intelligent way. If they don't answer questions that are presented in an intelligent manner with the proper tone, then it means they don't have an answer. If you present your question or comment with anger in your voice it will not help anything. I am a supporter of property owners, senior citizens, struggling families and responsible tax use, therefore I cannot support a new property tax levy which isn't justified during this economic turmoil. The treasurer has already stated that they will look into increasing classroom sizes if the levy doesn't pass and that means cuts. I hope others will help support her statement and encourage them to do just that if that is what it will take for the district to live within the means of the district's property owners. The district is still on budget this year and the next without additional money. let us encourage and support the tough cuts that must be made in order to keep our district in budget without punishing property owners. And, is the board willing for us to help them get through to those at the state level to start right now looking into a way to fund our schools with a more broad approach that encompasses all residents and not just homeowners? Consumption tax maybe?

In addition, I realize it isn't easy for one district to try to bring about change at the state level to stop solely relying on one group of people to pay which right now is the homeowner, which are becoming less and less in this state. But, is the board willing to try or will they just do what they know comes easier and that's getting a property tax issue on the ballot up to three times before they must accept the no vote. According to law it seems they can ignore voters' twice and ask a third time, then if they get a no vote on that third one it finally sticks and they can't ask again for at least a year. Is that correct? Yet, as soon as there is a majority yes vote, those opposed aren't able to ignore that vote and ask the Board of Elections to get the issue on the ballot again, like the schools can do if they don't like the way the votes went. Why is that?

This thread of comments has got to be the longest one since Stow Patch was started? Wow! Amy, does this article have more comments than any article has on Stow Patch? Just curious.

Let's do away with another bit of fiction. Property owners aren't the only ones who pay more when property taxes go up. Renters pay as well. Just ask yourselves, are rents the same as they were five or ten years ago? The answer is no.....and why have rents gone up? Lots of reasons, and one of them is property taxes. When a landlord has to pay higher taxes, he or she is going to pass the increase on to the tenants in the form of higher rent.

When are people going to wake up? We have a 6.5% sales tax, a town with a flat 2% personal income tax, and a state income tax, never mind federal taxes, FICA and Social Security taxes. People work the first four months of the year to pay these taxes before they start earning money for themselves. The taxpayers have a finite amount of money to survive on. It's time the schools and the government learn to do the same.

I have found legal fees for the school and if my calculations are correct from march 2010 to december 2010 the school has spent $206,596.81 from their funds as reported on the treasurer's report from board meetings and an additional $51,859.37 (this amount from the Educational Service Center (ESC) )

From January of 2011 to May of 2011 the total so far $124,232.74.This also from the board supplied treasurers report.

The addition may be slightly off but I think it is in the ball park. You can also verify this on their reports.

I'm not able to be at tonight's meeting due to work, but I hope if the question is raised by anyone about whether the board is considering approaching state officials about changing the way schools are funded, via a special consumption tax, that if they say that it would cause money to flow out of our area from our residents, please make sure they realize that a system can be created to make sure a resident's special sales tax on purchases anywhere in Ohio can be made to go back to our district just like when you purchase a car, the sales tax is based on where you live, not where you made the purchase. Will the board consider making more cuts to live within the current means of voters and get the ball rolling on finding an actual alternative to property taxes that will replace the burden on homeowners with a burden on more people includng those living with others, yet they can spend money buying cell phones, toys, clothing, expensive athletic shoes and so forth. I believe a special consumption tax with a promise of no additional property tax to be asked of voters in x years could get passed in the future. If its too hard to do at the state level then maybe at the county level. But, it would have to be a system where each district gets the taxes that their resident spent. We could not allow Akron to absorb a lot of our tax dollars just because they have more students. It must be based on where the pruchaser lives no matter where they buy from.

I also have to work tonight and hope someone presents Ed's question. And, the board may say that they tried an alternative way and voters rejected the income tax increase, but that is a far cry from a consumption tax which is more broad and doesn't hurt seniors as much (as long as medicine and food are exempt). That income tax proposal also didn't have a guarantee in the ballot language that it was truly an alternative and that voters would not get asked again for a property tax on top of the income tax in even the next few years. That killed that issue. Voters thought if they passed the income tax that the district could still ask again soon for another property tax. There must be language in new proposals which steer us away from the unconstitutional sole reliance on homeowners to fund our local schools. If it's in the issue language on the ballot it will have a much greater chance of being passed. I agree a future special sales tax at either the county or state level along with more district budget tightening will help the future education of our kids. I don't mind if the classroom size must be increased. It may be more stress on teachers, but at least the majority can retain their jobs with the same salary since the union and board already agreed to no salary cuts. There will be positions cut just like every other company I know. It's a nasty economy. Let's hope Ohio can bring back jobs so we can have more cash flow and better funding for our schools.

I guess I'm not on the same page as the rest of you. I think the schools have plenty of money - over FIFTY MILLION DOLLARS - just look at how much they wasted on legal fees and putting the levy on the ballot in August. Hundreds of thousands of dollars spent for nothing, and no one is batting an eyelash. Six figures are just a blip on the radar screen of an eight figure budget. Someone's got a bunch of cash to throw around; it's like the 40 grand this failed levy cost was small change. Where is the outrage? Where is the fiscal responsibility? In the private sector, someone would be held accountable for throwing that much money down a rat hole, but no, this school board has the audacity to thwart the will of the voters and spend more money to put the issue back on the ballot in November.

A "consumption" tax by any other name is just another tax. Is anybody getting that we can't afford, or don't want to pay any more of ANY kind of taxes? Spare me that this will be fairer. Spare me that this will solve the problem. It will be a new tax, and in time, the old taxes will be raised and promises broken. I've experienced this before. Depending on what list you look at, most show Ohio in the top ten highest taxed states in the country, but the average income is low on the totem pole. Stow citizens pay an extra $7 a month on their water bills - for what? .....and we don't even get garbage service provided. We have to pay for that ourselves too......

(Cont'd)............Stow is an expensive place to live. Ohio is an expensive place to live. Just look at all the seniors who move south as soon as they retire to escape the high taxes.

Anyone with an IRA or 401K or an investment account, check out how much you're worth today - if you have a strong stomach. For those of you who didn't read the tea leaves and park your money, you most likely took a BIG hit today. The US has lost it's AAA rating, and the stock market is a disaster. Now is not the time to be talking tax increases or new taxes of ANY kind. Now is the time to tighten our belts and live within our means. If the school board hasn't got the stomach for the job, let's get some people in there who do. It's long past time to stop the insanity, the over-spending, and the never ending taxpayer funded gravy train. The buck(s) stops here. No tax increases or new taxes of ANY kind. Stop treating the taxpayer's purse as a bottomless well.

Misty, perfectly said. Great post!

Misty, I agree with you. We are on the same page, but I don't believe the board will ever go along totally with no new tax in the next 10 years. So, I suggested the consumption tax because that, at least, is more fair and causes more families with children (who don't own homes) to be part of the contribution since many of them are the users of the system (those who have children they can't really afford to raise). No, it is not good to create a new tax of any kind and will continue to hinder job growth in Ohio. You are absolutely correct that Ohio is one of the most tax burdened states and with the present laws it has kept large corporations from coming here. But, the current administration in Columbus is seeking to change that, but they are getting a lot of resistance from unions which are quite powerful here in the north. We'll see what happens in November if jobs will start coming to Ohio or if the unions prevail.

While things are on the right path now we must keep moving forward and if SB5 is repealed it will send a clear message to companies that Ohio still has a ways to go. Although SB5 is only about government employees, it is about lowering Ohio's debt and that means a brighter future in regards to the tax burden for all. The CNBC report did not include employee tax living studies which do impact decisions to move companies here. We are trying to improve things, but raising property taxes will reverse the positive effects. From 1977 until 2009 Ohio went from 5th lowest tax burden state (business and personal combined) to the 7th highest tax burden in the nation. Like you said, this year things are starting to change. Let's hope it continues and the debt reduction of our state government will continue. We must keep SB5 and not let anyone bully us into repealing it. It's time we run the state like a business and that means pay is based on merit.

@ Michael: How much of that six figures legal fee bill did the board waste going after a citizens group like Stowidiocracy and using their hefty purse to try and squash any dissent in this town? I don't know for sure, but I am offended that they use the public purse to try and intimidate anyone who dares to question them, or shed some light on what is really going on.

Mr. Micheal Rhea: Evidently you have no idea what goes into a website like www.stowidiocracy.com, you are either lacking in research skills or common knowledge of you own community. The Stow Citizens for Responsible Government, who operates the website, is clearly driving the school office nuts by their public information requests. The things you see posted on their website are directly taken from the school district's own records. That has been tried and held true by many state offices that the school administration has tried to use to discredit the website.
Websites like theirs are numerous on the web. Some folks, like you, are so blinded by the various administrations across the country that you almost sound like you have been brainwashed. It is SCRG's constitutional right and duty to help clear up government waste and wrong-doing wherever they find it. You may not see it that way, which puts you in the position of being part of the problem. We as Americans tend to forget that all the things wrong with our national and state governments are rooted in the basic governmental operations of the local cities and school districts. In other words, to clean up our larger governments, we must be willing to start the process at the local level. SCRG is made up of people who love living in Stow/Munroe Falls. We love our school district. We only want to see our governmental entities (which we as citizens are responsible for) run responsibly and without secrets.

very well said,we need more people like the citizen of the stowidiocracy.com group.if it wasnt for groups like this people would be left in the dark on issues like the ib program ,and the wasteful spending of our tax dollars.keep up the great work stowidiocracy to keep taxpayers informed

Mike, all I can say to this is, how DARE you? How dare you call people struggling to survive "cheap"???? Did you not get your latest property valuation in the mail? If it's like most people's, then it went down - by quite a bit. A big reason for this - in Stow anyway - is the high number of foreclosures. People could no longer afford to pay for their homes, and the high property taxes only exacerbated the problem. The taxpayers fund a $50m + school budget, and that's hardly "cheap". The bit of misinformation the school board put on the post cards they sent out in support of the levy stated property values in Summit County rose - by a minute amount. Obviously, not in this town. I think this is the reason the board put the levy on the ballot in August. They knew taxpayers would be shocked to see how much their property values had declined. If big $$ spent on the schools truly equaled higher property values, then Stow's values should be high - but they aren't. ... so another favorite school board fiction bites the dust. This raggedy, old, tired name calling of Stow citizens "cheap" for not passing a levy doesn't cut it anymore. Many of us don't have the money. What about that do you and the school board not understand?? And even if we did have the $$, we'd like to keep some for ourselves. We don't have to hand it all over to an out of control, out of touch, bloated bureaucracy.

@ Michael Rhea: So let me see if I've got this straight. People are only "cheap" if they can afford to pay more in taxes for the schools but don't want to. Is that what you're suggesting? How about people have a right to a little pleasure in life and a few luxuries they worked for, without being constantly asked to sacrifice and being taxed to death. Whatever the magic school budget is, it isn't $50m. If this were not so, the school board would not be so cavalier as to put an August levy on the ballot and then say 'oops, we made a mistake, so we have to have a do-over' for thousands more $$. $40 grand is quite a costly mistake, and they don't bat an eyelash over that much money - to say nothing of what they shelled out in legal fees trying to shut up a citizen's group.

As for property values, foreclosures absolutely drive down home prices. High property taxes discourage people from buying homes in Stow, and outside of Stow, this town does not have a great reputation - what Stow City Hall calls "perception". I believe if the schools went back to the basics, we would turn out better educated students. Have you ever taken a look at some of the classes offered at SMFHS? They are laughable. Better to cut out sewing and focus on math and science. If school salaries and benefits - especially medical benefits were more in line with the private sector, the schools could save millions. In this economy, it's time for the administrators and unions to make concessions

So people are going to leave Stow because their taxes are so high? Where will they go? Here are the 2010 School District millage rates that I found for our neighbors from the Ohio Dept, of Taxation:
Summit County:
AKRON CSD 71.66
BARBERTON CSD 57.95
COPLEY-FAIRLAWN CSD 64.52
COVENTRY LSD 71.97
CUYAHOGA FALLS CSD 69.88
GREEN LSD (SUMMIT CO.) 38.41
HUDSON CSD 86.03
MANCHESTER LSD 63.86
MOGADORE LSD 73.70
NORDONIA HILLS CSD 64.09
NORTON CSD 59.90
REVERE LSD 57.29
SPRINGFIELD LSD (SUMMIT CO.) 53.53
STOW MUNROE FALLS CSD 45.05
TALLMADGE CSD 71.56
TWINSBURG CSD 60.45
WOODRIDGE LSD 53.53
Portage County:

AURORA CSD 74.77
CRESTWOOD LSD 47.20
FIELD LSD 54.39
JAMES A. GARFIELD LSD 65.54
KENT CSD 102.91
RAVENNA CSD 65.69
ROOTSTOWN LSD 62.57
SOUTHEAST LSD (PORTAGE CO.) 39.63
STREETSBORO CSD 63.36
WATERLOO LSD 54.13
WINDHAM EVSD 51.99
Cuyahoga County:
BAY VILLAGE CSD 114.95
BEACHWOOD CSD 86.40
BEDFORD CSD 72.50
BEREA CSD 74.90
BRECKSVILLE-BROADVIEW HEIGHTS CSD 77.20
BROOKLYN CSD 47.20
CHAGRIN FALLS EVSD 107.70
CLEVELAND HTS-UNIVERSITY HTS CSD 136.80
CLEVELAND MUNICIPAL S.D. 64.80
CUYAHOGA HEIGHTS LSD 28.80
EAST CLEVELAND CSD 93.00
EUCLID CSD 89.80
GARFIELD HEIGHTS CSD 56.30
INDEPENDENCE LSD 31.90
LAKEWOOD CSD 115.40
MAPLE HEIGHTS CSD 74.20
MAYFIELD CSD 78.32
ORANGE CSD 86.10
PARMA CSD 66.10
RICHMOND HEIGHTS LSD 82.60
SHAKER HEIGHTS CSD 180.13
SOLON CSD 82.20
SOUTH EUCLID-LYNDHURST CSD 101.6

Well maybe we'd be better off if we compared total millage, not just schools:
Stow: 70.71
Hudson: 107.41
Cuyahoga Falls: 96.34
Silver Lake: 99.09
Tallmadge: 93.97
Akron: 98.22
Twinsburg City: 79.15
Green: 61.42 (But didn't they just pass a new levy?)

I guess Green wins! That's it, all the Stowbillies are moving out to the pastures of Green.

Actually, there are only 30% of potential homebuyers who have children in public school. The vast majority (yes I sell real estate) are seeking areas (not just in Northeast Ohio) that have citizens who, while properly supporting most levies, do not pass levies every year. One of the top questions people ask when looking for a home is how high are the property taxes and how often does the district pressure to get new levies passed and how often to they seek for renewals on levies that were just 'emergency' 5 year levies? Stow voters are notorious for passing school levies about one every other year for the past 30 years. Yes, this proves citizens aren't 'cheap' as the man with no last name, Mike, has suggested. It always amazes me those claim voters are 'cheap' when they happen to vote down a levy (they get asked to get levies passed on an average of every year for the past 30 years). Yet, those who claim they are fine with raising property taxes, because they are more well off than many other struggling homeowners, never put their money where the mouth is. There's nothing stopping a supporter of higher taxes from donating the money they would have paid if the levy passed, directly to the district. So, Mike no-last-name, if you have home with a market value of $150,000, please make your donation of $350 each year for the next 10 years (or a lump sum of $3000) directly to the district. Are you a true supporter of the failed levy? Make your tax deductable donation today.

In fiscal year 2010, the Administrative Costs Per Pupil for all Summit County districts were as follows:
Woodridge: $1593
Akron: $1583
Revere: $1507
Hudson: $1506
Mogodore: $1324
Twinsburg: $1308
Tallmadge: $1179
Nordonia: $1106
Coventry: $1101
Manchester: $1094
Barberton: $1065
Copley-Fairlawn: $1024
Springfield: $1014
Green: $1010
Cuyahoga Falls: $991
STOW-MUNROE FALLS: $970
Norton: $891

Source: Ohio Department of Education Fiscal Year District Profile Report

That's right. For all of you that have been carrying on about overspending on administration and our grossly overpaid administrators, the FACT is that SMFCSD's administration costs less per pupil than EVERY OTHER DISTRICT IN THE COUNTY except for ONE.

This is why so many are leaving Summit County and Ohio. This is why some of the top small towns voted as best places to live are in the south and have much less property tax burden. In fact, the study recently reported had the top town as having about half the property taxes as here. Many smart communities are realizing they had to come up with a more fair and widespread way to fund the schools besides just using homeowners. Consumption based taxes places to burden on everyone, especially those who choose to have a growing family, which of course are those who use the system most anyhow. No matter what local comparisons who try to make it still boils down to whether our current property owners have enough extra funds to justify a 10 percent plus tax increase at a time when their equity has dried up and their own salaries cut, which the teachers and administrators have not had to endure. They have not yet had wage decreases like many other residents have faced. I would love to give more to the schools, but I cannot at this time. The financial crisis many homeowners have right now is far more of an emergency than a district that has not endured wages deductions and will remain in the black until 2013. Can they increase class sizes by cutting positions? Yes. Again, it’s not that we don't want our top 130 staff to make their current $70000 to $110000 plus benefits, pensions and an average 185 work days. It's about home owner’s ability to pay higher property taxes.

A 6.57-mill 10-year levy would generate $65 million for the district and would cost the owner of $200,000 home (average value in Stow, but home values are declining):
•$4024.20 levy duration
•$402.42 annually
•$201.21 for half a year (increase due beginning THIS February)
•$33.54 a month
•$1.10 per a day

The owner of a $250,000 home will pay an increase of:
•$5030.20 levy duration
•$503.20 annually
•$251.51 for half a year (increase due beginning THIS February)
•$41.91 a month
•$1.40 per a day

Also, don't forget that the 7.61 mill levy passed in November 2007 will expire in 2012, so you'll also see that on the ballot next year.

I think for the most part that teacher unions ARE using their might to influence state legislature. With so much bipartisanship at the state level (especially now, with SB5), this doesn't make much of a difference. Why don't the administrators of districts march on Columbus demanding the change? I wish I knew! As a taxpayer, I'd walk right with them.

Our board members have spoken out about wishing the state funding formula was difference. This was especially evident and brought up frequently when the district tried the approach of the income tax increase as an alternative (the only alternative that was legally within their means).

There are two kinds of levies basically. "Inside" and "Outside". According to the SMFCSD web site , SMF school district's "inside" millage is 5.4 while their "outside" millage is listed as 42.38 (although the State Tax web site lists slightly lower numbers). What is the difference you say? Well inside millage money will rise as either more properties are created or property values go up, and will fall as property values decline since it is a fixed amount on each property. "Outside" millage is shared millage that only generates a fixed amount of money that is split amongst property owners according to their share of the total property values of all properties in the system. This is why under Ohio's system of school funding, most districts prefer property taxes. Generally, the total value of the property in a school system doesn't vary as much as things like income and sales tax receipts, so it makes for a much easier budget making process. There is no sense arguing here whether or not our school employees are overpaid. If you feel they are, then no facts or figures stated here will make you feel different. Perhaps though, you may want to make an effort to actually witness the wonderful jobs these people do for our children.

Most people would love to be able to pay them even more just as most would love to have more income and benefits to take care of their own families. The real point at this time is whether homeowners can effectively afford more property taxes and whether the financial problems coming out there in 2013 for the schools is as great as the financial crisis that is already upon many current homeowners. From what I see, and yes I've been inside the schools, it is unreasonable to place even more financial burden on the broken backs of homeowners at this time. Stow and Munroe Falls were good just to get the levy renewal passed last year. A broader responsiblity placed on all users of the system is also warranted and long over due. In fact, some states are now allowing credits to go toward those past child bearing years so it places more burden on parents who choose to have children. Having children is both a privilege and a personal responsiblity and we've grown accustomed to feeling like it's our right to have everyone pay for raising my child. Yes, we must provide a 'free' education and especially help orphans. But, many good parents don't expect property owners to foot the bill so their child can play soccer, participate in after school activities, field trips, transportation and so forth. While others think it's their right to have free transportation for their child to school. All those things are wonderful if a community has the resources. Our incomes have been hindered, so...

@ John Moyer Here are just a few of the courses a stapped high school really shouldn't be bothered with. Granted most are fee based, but I have a feeling the fees are not enough to off set the total cost of these classes - teacher's salaries, benefits and supplies. If one wants to study any of these things, there is ample opportunity in the private sector. The limited funds the taxpayer are funding the schools with should go for classes that will equip students for the real world. Pottery, crafts, and jewelry design isn't going to cut it. I was told by a member of the school board that these classes exist for students who cannot pass "regular" classes.

Ceramics I
Ceramics 2
Crafts, Fibers, Surface Design (purse making class as featured in the Stow Sentry?)
Digital Photography
Honors 2 Digital Photography
Drawing 1
Drawing 2
Fashion Design & Illustration
Fashion Design & Illustration 2
Jewelry, Metals
Painting
Stage Craft Theater Design
Aviation Career Academy
Culinary Arts, Catering
Automotive Technology

Misty, Bill, Lauren, Yellow Rose and any other users not following the terms of use: http://stow.patch.com/terms. Please update your username to include your full, real first and last name. Thank you.

I'm amazed that at a time when the school district is crying that we'll run into a financial emergency in years to come if they don't get more money now, that they would try to implement new programs that will cost more money in the future to maintain. While it may have some good merits that they believe in, they really need stop assuming the homeowners of Stow and Munroe Falls will eventually always pass new levies. I'm glad they aren't personally feeling the financial strain that many homeowners are currently experiencing in this economy. It seems those who are not as affected tend to assume higher taxes are affordable to the rest. While they may have a $200,000 home, yet haven't experienced wages cuts or even job loss, which means an extra $400 in taxes each year (total of $4000 for life of levy although they always get renewed, so basically forever), they don't see that money as that big of deal. To some of us, that $400 isn't doable at this time, no we don't have Smart phones, or other extras, many of us cutting expenses, lack proper health care and so forth. I no longer can afford health insurance for my family. I have to make drastic cuts; therefore I expect the schools to do the same. It's not what I want; it's a necessity at this time.

@ Ed Kent: I absolutely have a problem with $70,000 + salaries for 184 days of work not to mention the Cadillac insurance plan, pension benefits, and in many cases free mommy helperrs. And a $55m budget that isn't enough?? Makes my head spin. They have so much money they've forgotten what the word 'budget' means.

@Ed Kent: Both national and even more importantly local forums do not require people to use their real names. You may like the idea of real names, but you haven't addressed my issue that it isn't safe. Trust me, I've seen some bad things happen when real names were used. Unless someone is checking IDs at the door, you have no idea if a name someone is posting under is real or not anyway - so it all becomes a moot point.