BOARDMAN Two school renewal levies to be on ballot

The two levies make up about 20 percent of the district's operating budget.
By DENISE DICK
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
BOARDMAN -- School district residents will be asked to renew two school levies on the November ballot.
At a meeting Monday, school board members adopted resolutions taking the first step to placing the two renewal levies on the ballot.
Information must be sent to the county auditor's office for verification after the question returns to the school board for final approval. It will then be filed at the Mahoning County Board of Elections.
A five-year, 6-mill levy, originally passed in 1991, would continue to bring in about $3.7 million annually to the school district. It's being collected at about a 3.9-mill rate.
A five year, 5.9-mill levy, originally passed in 1996, generates about $4.3 million annually for the district. It's being collected at about a 4.5 mill rate.
"The treasurer tells me that together these levies make up about 20 percent of the operating funds for the district," said Superintendent Frank Lazzeri.
Both township trustees and the Boardman Park Board are seeking renewal levies on the November ballot as well.
Building proposals
In other business, the school board heard two proposals for new sports facilities.
Nik Amstutz, president of the Boardman Boosters, a fund-raising group for school sports and other activities, and Dom Mancini, a wrestling coach, asked the board to allocate $50,000 for a wrestling facility at the high school.
The total project is estimated at $254,000. The Boosters are contributing $80,000; the Mat Club, a wrestling team support organization, is contributing $20,000.
Mancini said the groups are confident they can raise the remainder. Amstutz said the groups could also secure financing for the remainder if necessary.
The groups hope to begin construction by August and have it ready for the wrestling season, which begins in the fall.
The board didn't act on the request.
The Boardman Little Spartans also requested approval to build a complex behind Robinwood Elementary School. The facility would provide the team of young football players a field to play.
The estimated cost is $125,000, and would be covered with grants and donations. No district funds would be used, team officials said.
The board didn't take action on the request.