Monday, March 21, 2005
The board is seeking comment from residents about the 14.1-mill tax.
CAMPBELL -- Residents wanting to comment on a school millage renewal request on the May 3 ballot will get their chance Tuesday.
School officials have scheduled a 6 p.m. meeting at the elementary and middle school, 2002 Community Circle, to receive public comment and answer questions about the request for the 14.1-mill, five-year renewal. Officials also are looking for volunteers to work on the campaign for the millage.
The renewal, if approved, would raise $989,711 annually for operations.
At last week's board meeting, Treasurer Patricia McLaughlin urged voters to support the renewal, which voters approved by more than a 2-1 ratio in 2000.
"It's no additional money," McLaughlin said. "A lot of people in the district say they're upset with some of the board members and may not vote for the levy. Not voting for the levy hurts the children."
Contract controversy
The board's decision not to renew the contract of Superintendent James Ciccolelli has stirred strong emotions in the community. The latest flare-up occurred at last week's board meeting, attended by more than 100 people.
Board President Diana Petruska, Vice President Karen Repasky and board member Dominic Medina have voted against extending Ciccolelli's contract, which runs through July 31. Board members Beth Donofrio and Robert Dolan support Ciccolelli, who has led the district for 12 years.
Ciccolelli said the district was facing a $721,000 deficit in the 2005-06 budget. By consolidating some services, eliminating three teaching positions and two nonteaching positions through attrition, and making cuts in supplies, the deficit is now $190,000 for the next school year, he said.
That deficit is acceptable to the state because it is less than 2 percent of the district's $12 million budget, Ciccolelli said. It also is based on voters' approving the millage renewal in May.
"As it is now, I'm confident this district will be fiscally solvent next fall provided the funding levels remain the same," Ciccolelli said.