Jackson-Milton to ask voters to approve levy

By Sean Barron

A new superintendent was appointed by the board.

NORTH JACKSON — As part of a cost-reduction plan to decrease the district’s general fund expenses, school officials approved cutting 15 employees, and if a school levy doesn’t pass this year, a second round of layoffs will likely result next year.

That was a key point Jackson-Milton Superintendent Buck Palmer brought up at Thursday’s school board meeting as he discussed the plan.

If the 5.5-mill emergency renewal levy on the Aug. 5 special election ballot fails, it will reappear on the November general election ballot. If that isn’t approved, Palmer warned, it also will mean the loss of $500,000 to the district’s general fund during the 2008-09 school year and roughly $1 million to the same fund in the 2009-10 school year as well as following years.

The district cut two administrators, five teachers and eight classified employees in an effort to save about $500,000 to the general fund for this school year, Palmer noted. The last seven school ballot issues have gone down to defeat.

The levy would bring about $998,000 annually to the district, the superintendent said.

In a related matter, the district loses more than $600,000 annually from students who attend other schools through open enrollment or go to community schools, Palmer said in his report.

Palmer emphasized that money for the construction of a new Jackson-Milton Middle School/High School is in place and separate from general fund dollars.

Also at the session, the board approved a three-year contract for Kirk Baker as the next superintendent, effective May 1. Baker replaces Palmer, who will retire July 31 after eight years at the post.

Palmer praised his co-workers and others, saying he plans to pursue other interests.

Palmer added that he will spend the last few months of his term helping Baker and other administrators make a smooth transition and perform other special assignments.

Baker, who will earn $85,000 a year, has served 18 years as Jackson-Milton Elementary’s principal and four as a teacher. He earned degrees from Youngstown and Kent State universities and University of Akron.

“We face many challenges ahead of us … but I plan to work to make Jackson-Milton schools succeed,” Baker said.

Board member Joe Yochman said work on the foundation to the new school on Mahoning Avenue is set to begin May 15, and that construction of the $14.5 million facility is on schedule. The school, which will be for pupils in grades six through 12, is slated to open in September 2009.