FACT SHEET School tax levy

A committee put together to persuade Youngstown city school voters to approve a 9.5-mill tax levy in November is offering what it terms “facts” about the issue:

It is a temporary, five-year levy.

The last operating levy in the city schools was put on the ballot in 1986.

The levy will cost the average taxpayer around $87.28 more in annual taxes.

The city schools offer a choice in areas as diverse as gender schools for middle school pupils and early college high school.

New buildings recently opened or being constructed provide stimulating, motivational environments for learning.

Youngstown’s graduation rate is up for the fourth consecutive year, reaching 71.9 percent, a 16-point rise in two years.

Pupils are achieving at higher rates as indicated by improvements in 16 of 30 areas on the latest state report card.

Attendance is at its highest point in 10 years.

Scholarships for graduates are up to more than $3 million annually.

Voters 65 and older can use the state Homestead Exemption to reduce their property taxes.

Source: Supporters for Children of the Youngstown City Schools Committee