Salem board looks into school levy

SALEM -- The school board took the first step in seeking passage of a $2.3 million emergency operating levy in the November general election.
Meeting Monday, the panel authorized administration officials to ask the Columbiana County Auditor's office to certify the amount of property tax millage that would be needed to raise $2.3 million annually.
Once the certification is received, the school board will then decide whether to put the issue on the ballot. A decision must be made by Aug. 21.
A levy is being considered because the district is facing a nearly $800,000 deficit next year, and that figure could grow to millions of dollars in ensuing years if more revenue isn't received and if spending cuts aren't implemented, District Treasurer Alice Gunning has said.
The district needs more money because expenses are higher than the amount of revenue being received, Gunning said.
Rising employee health-insurance costs is a primary reason for the situation, she added.