School districts need help in meeting responsibilities

Another election, another appeal to residents not to punish schoolchildren for the sins of irresponsible adults. Just as you, the voters, are tired of hearing the same old arguments from us as to why passage of school tax issues is essential, we're tired of spewing them.
But so long as the governor and the General Assembly refuse to do the responsible thing and develop a constitutional method of funding public education in Ohio, property taxes will remain the main source of income for schools.
Taxpayers have made it very clear that they want state government do what the Supreme Court has ordered: to end the dependence on property taxes to fund primary and secondary education. But, given that the court did not set a deadline for the General Assembly to respond -- nor did it threaten sanctions -- the politicians in Columbus have no incentive to act with any sense of urgency.
However, the people have the ability to express their discontent by voting out of office those individuals who have failed to act.
But what the voters should not do is take out their frustrations and anger on the schools districts that are trying to provide young people with the best education possible.
On Tuesday, voters in school districts in Mahoning and Trumbull counties will be asked to decide on bond issues, renewals, an additional tax and an income tax. We urge residents to not get caught up in the "I'm taxed off" campaign that has been waged in this area for some time. An objective analysis of the reasons for the tax requests will lead to the conclusion that there are strong arguments to be made for passage.
In Mahoning County, of the five school tax issues, two are renewals, two are bond issues and one is an income tax.
The 3.5-mill, 28-year bond issue for Boardman schools and the 1-mill, 27-year bond issue for Jackson-Milton schools deserve the support of the people.
In Boardman, the anticipated $51.55 million would be used to pay for various renovations at all the school buildings, which range in age from 37 to 95 years old. Included in the list of improvements is a new 38,000-square-foot auxiliary gym at the high school for wrestling and girls sports.
The Boardman High School stadium would be upgraded so football games that are now played at Spartan Stadium behind Center Middle School would be moved to the high school grounds.
Jackson-Milton School District is seeking approval of a 1-mill, 27-year bond levy that would generate $2.7 million to pay for the development of a sports complex on a 120-acre site next to the district's elementary school on Mahoning Avenue.
The district plans to have a football field, soccer field, band seating, concession and restroom facilities, an all-weather track and a walking trail open to the community.
Two school districts in Mahoning County are seeking renewals, which means there would not be an increase in property taxes: Canfield, a 6.9-mill levy for a continuous period to generate $3.3 million a year for operating expenses; Western Reserve, a 4.2-mill, five-year levy for emergency requirements and to avoid an operating debt.
We have traditionally not taken a position on income tax requests for schools, so voters in Sebring School District are on their own with regard to the 1 percent for five years.
Trumbull County
In Trumbull County, there is a new levy request, three bond issues and four renewals.
The Bloomfield-Mespo School District is seeking a 3-mill additional for a continuous period for permanent improvements. The tax would generate $152,475.
In Hubbard, voters are being asked to approve a 6-mill bond issue that would enable the district to borrow $18 million, which would be the district's share of the $58 million school replacement project. The bonds would be redeemed over 28 years. The state has agreed to put up $40 million. All three school buildings in the district would be replaced.
Niles School District is seeking approval for a 6.7-mill bond issue to finance construction of three new schools, refurbish the stadium and construct a new track. The state would put up 68 percent of the $55.8 million cost of building three new schools. The district would borrow $26 million to meet its share and also to pay for the upgrade of the football stadium and construction of a new track.
Southington School District officials are asking voters to approve 9.3 mills for a bond issue that would finance its $6.44 million share of the state school construction program.
The millage needed to cover the district's share of the project is 6.1 mills, but officials are seeking additional levies of 1.5 and 1.7 mills to pay the cost of maintaining the classroom facilities and also for constructing, adding to, renovating, remodeling, furnishing, equipping and making other improvements to school district buildings. The construction of a water treatment plant and an athletic complex are also planned.
The four school districts in Trumbull County asking voters to renew levies already on the books are: Champion, 2.1 mills and 1.5 mills for five years; Joseph Badger, 1.5 mills for five years for facility improvements; Lakeview, 1 mill for five years for facility improvements; and McDonald, 2 mills for five years for general permanent improvements.
We urge passage of the school tax levies on the ballot Tuesday in Mahoning and Trumbull counties because the children of our community deserve the best.