Schools ask again (and again) for operating cash

Voters already have said “no.”

In one case, they’ve said “no” four times.

But five school districts are asking voters again —and again — to support tax issues. This time it’s Tuesday’s special election.

“We’ve made cuts, but we’ll be in bad shape without the levy,” said Kirk Baker, Jackson-Milton superintendent of schools.

Jackson-Milton is among six school tax issues from five school districts in the Mahoning Valley on the ballot.

Turnout for August special elections in the Valley has ranged from 25 percent to 40 percent in recent years.

The Jackson-Milton tax issue was initially approved in 1998 and renewed in 2003. But three times last year and this past March 4, Jackson-Milton voters rejected the school renewal levy that raises about $1 million a year and expires Dec. 31.

It came close to passing in March, losing by 49 votes.

“I’m not really sure why it failed,” said Baker, superintendent for the past few months. “I think it will be close [Tuesday]. I hope it goes in our favor. If it fails, we’ll go in November.”

Read more in Sunday’s Vindicator and Vindy.com