Income tax levy backers plan final rally
The district could go into fiscal emergency status if the income tax fails.
By VIRGINIA ROSS
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
NEW MIDDLETOWN -- Proponents of the 1 percent personal income tax levy are planning their final rally.
At 7 p.m. Monday, just hours before area voters mark their ballots, Springfield Board of Education members, district administrators, students and other concerned citizens will gather at the high school gymnasium to demonstrate their support for the district and the tax.
The event will feature performances by district bands, choirs and cheerleaders. Several Springfield graduates will also be on hand to provide comments. Admission is free.
"Basically, we're going to use this opportunity to encourage voter turnout and celebrate the success of Springfield schools," said Peggy Jones, a school board member. "There will be a lot of positive activity and support for the school district, our staff and our students. We're expecting a really good turnout."
For the past several months, a group of concerned citizens, including school board members, has worked to persuade area folks to keep the personal income tax levy on the books.
About the levy
The levy is a renewal of the current tax that is set to expire at the end of the year. School administrators have said without the $1 million the levy generates, the school district could go into fiscal emergency. That means the state could move in and take control of the school district.
The other alternative is that Springfield could be forced to consolidate with another school district.
The levy was defeated by just over 90 votes in the March primary.
"I think many people were shocked the levy didn't go through," Jones said. "I think some parents didn't even vote because they thought it would pass. We're hoping we've gained more supporters over the past several months and that we've come up with the votes we were missing in the spring."
Levy renewal proponents also will be host a tailgate party Friday at Springfield before the Springfield-South Range varsity football game. Along with providing information about Springfield and the levy renewal, they will be offering free refreshments and snacks.