BOARDMAN Board takes another shot at levy

School officials will announce specific cuts early next year.
By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
BOARDMAN -- Board of education members are looking to taxpayers for a second chance at getting a school levy passed, and discussing cuts in spending should the levy be rejected a second time.
Board members unanimously voted earlier this week to place the 5.9-mill five-year operating levy on the ballot in February. The levy was recently defeated by fewer than 400 votes.
Superintendent Don Dailey said a five-year, 1.6-mill permanent improvement levy renewal also will be on the ballot in February. He said the renewal was not placed on the ballot this month because officials were focusing on the new operating levy.
The improvement levy, however, must be passed by next November.
Dailey said residents need to understand that it is imperative the levies pass in February, citing the fact that the district is estimated to be in debt by more than $1.18 million by the end of the 2003-04 school year without the additional funds.
Efforts to cut spending
In an effort to offset any shortfalls in funding, the Boardman Education Association and the Ohio Association of Public School Employees Chapter 334 agreed in October to change health insurance coverage for their members. The organizations agreed to curtail a traditional major medical plan in favor of a preferred-provider organization.
Dailey said the change in insurance will save the district about $600,000 annually.
The district also has made personnel cuts, including an assistant athletic director and two athletic assistants. The purchase of supplies, materials and equipment has been reduced by more than $152,000, and professional development funds for staff have been cut by $10,000.
School officials are still looking for additional ways to save money. Dailey said all school programs will be carefully reviewed over the next few weeks to see where additional cost-saving measures can be taken.
Personnel in academics, fine and performing arts, athletics, maintenance and transportation will be considered for reduction. Officials are also considering making students pay to participate in extracurricular activities, and eliminating busing for high school students and all others living inside a two-mile radius of their schools.
Dailey said the public will be told in January what specific cuts will be made should the 5.9-mill levy fail a second time in February.
jgoodwin@vindy.com