School Renewal Levy Likely on November Ballot

A five-year renewal levy is set to expire this year and the is expected to take the first of two steps toward getting it on the November ballot at the next meeting May 29.

The emergency levy expiring this year generates $7.3 million annually at 7.3-mills. Bulgrin said passing the renewal levy, which is not a new tax, is "crucial."

Bulgrin said the district will pursue the renewal levy for 10 years this time. The levy will still generate $7.3 million annually, but because of new mainly decreased property values, she said she is guessing the millage will be around 8. Even if the millage is increased, the amount each homeowner will pay will remain around the same, she said.

During the May 29 meeting, the board is expected to vote on sending the request to the Summit County Auditor's office to certify the value and the millage of the levy.

After that, it will go back to the board for another vote to put it on the November ballot.

"Do you actually think it's going to pass?" said , a Stow resident who videotapes every school board meeting. "It's just going to scare the residents of Stow ... thinking it's going to cost them more money. I’m serious I don’t think it's going to go through."

"Yes it will be worth the cost [to put it on the ballot]," said Board President Karen Powers. "There will be massive cuts if it doesn’t pass ... it's pretty much that simple."

Resident Tom Pauley said he was tired of seeing quality teachers leaving or being cut.

"Time and time again I see this district losing quality teachers and administrators because we don’t want to pay the fee for excellence. Passing the levy is a great investment for community," said Pauley. "But it’s a renewal, not an excessive amount. What price you’re willing to pay for excellence?"

Residents . 

For more details about the renewal levy, check back with Stow Patch.