SCHOOLS Push to renew millage begins

Voter approval could hinge on volunteers' efforts.
CAMPBELL -- The campaign to win voter approval of a millage renewal for Campbell schools will be fought with community fliers, yard signs, buttons and group presentations.
And the message will be the same: Voter support for the 14.1-mill, five-year renewal is critical if the district is to maintain current services.
The renewal would raise $989,711 annually for operations if approved by voters on May 3.
Voter rejection of the levy means teachers would be laid off, resulting in larger classroom sizes, and there would be cuts in transportation and supplies, said Board Treasurer Patricia McLaughlin.
"Bottom line, we're in a world of hurt financially," McLaughlin said at the first organizational meeting of volunteers working to get the renewal passed. "It's no additional money. It's for the kids."
Levy passed in 2000
The levy, in effect for the past 10 years, was approved by voters by more than a 2-1 ratio in 2000.
Resident Patrick Strange, who attended the meeting at the elementary and middle school, said the May 3 ballot also will include Mahoning County's request for a half-percent sales tax for five years. Voters rejected the county's sales-tax request, also a renewal, twice last year.
"Campbell is a very poor community," said Strange, who is retired. "One-third of the people are on some sort of assistance, one-third are retired and one-third are employed. And there's no business to speak of that brings in revenue.
"Having the county renewal on the ballot will make passage of this school levy very difficult. Campbell people are going to have to make a choice. You have to justify to me and others this 14.1 mills is needed."
Board member Beth Donofrio said the district has made cost-cutting measures to show they are doing their part to reduce costs. Anyone interested in working on the millage campaign or making a donation should call board President Diana Petruska at (330) 755-1341.