Poland to have town-hall meetings to explain levy

By Karl Henkel

khenkel@vindy.com

POLAND

For Poland residents who have questions regarding the upcoming emergency school levy on the ballot in May, the school board announced five town-hall meetings Monday.

“We hope this will be a means of communication,” board president Elinor Zedaker said. “If people haven’t had an opportunity to come forward with questions, this gives them the opportunity.”

In December, the board approved a new 4.9-mill emergency levy that would generate $1.875 million per year. The cost to someone with a $100,000 home would equate to roughly $150 per year.

A 3.9-mill levy previously failed in November.

Like board meetings, the locations will rotate among schools. The first takes place March 10 at North Elementary. All meetings start at 7 p.m.

Paul McFadden, a parent of two at Poland schools, will chair the meetings, and Superintendent Dr. Robert Zorn will begin each meeting by providing informational packets.

“It’s about transparency,” McFadden said. “This will be an open forum.”

In other business at the board’s meeting Monday, Treasurer Donald Stanovcak reported that the district narrowly avoided having to borrow money to cover payroll expenses in February but received two tax advances of $900,000 in time to avoid the extra measure.

The board also officially announced Mike Masucci as the new principal of Union Elementary. He replaces Carmella Smallhoover, who retired after 35 years with the district. Masucci, who was given a two-year contract at $79,170 per year, was formerly principal at North Elementary. Tracy Kaschak replaces Masucci at North.