HUBBARD SCHOOLS Officials stress need for levy

Whether or not the layoff plan is carried out depends on a variety of factors.
By TIM YOVICH
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
HUBBARD -- Voter approval of a school levy next month won't erase the school district's deficit.
The board of education is asking voters to approve a 9.9-mill, five-year emergency operating levy that will appear on the May 8 primary ballot.
The 9.9 mills appears to be a large tax increase, but schools Superintendent Carl Morell points out that 6.4 mills exist and 3.5 mills are additional.
The 9.9-mill issue was originally approved by voters in 1986 and has been continually renewed.
During that time, though, property values have increased, and the amount of millage with it.
Because state law prohibits school districts from collecting money from increases in property values, the original 9.9 mills has been reduced to 6.4 mills.
School officials predict that if the levy passes, the district will have a deficit of $1,007,000. If it fails, the deficit will increase by $400,000.
Plan filed with state: The district has filed a financial recovery play with the Ohio Department of Education. The district has proposed laying off six teachers and four aides beginning with the 2001-2002 school year.
Whether or not the layoff plan is carried out, Morell explained, depends on a variety of factors. For example, an aide now providing one-on-one instruction may not be needed next year if the pupil leaves the district.
There has been some concern that if the levy fails, the district would be forced into fiscal watch or fiscal emergency, resulting in the district's being operated by a state commission.
No formal opposition: Both Morell and Gary Ghizzoni, chairman of the levy committee, said they don't know of any formal opposition to the tax issue.
"Up to now, we haven't heard much negative," Ghizzoni said.
Ghizzoni said there are some concerns, though. He pointed out the economic downturn in the Mahoning Valley and increased utility costs may result in some voters' not wanting to increase their tax burden.
Ghizzoni noted the issue has received voter approval every five years since it originated in 1986. In 1996, it was approved by the greatest margin, he added.