Canfield board sets spending plan for 5.9-mill operating levy
By Kalea Hall
CANFIELD
The board of education has solidified spending plans for potential revenue from its 5.9-mill operating levy on the Nov. 5 ballot.
School board members are promising to use the more than $3 million the five-year levy would bring in on restoring transportation services, implementing all-day kindergarten, eliminating pay-to-participate program, expanding course offerings and upgrading safety and security in all schools. The levy will cost the owner of a $100,000 house about $200 annually.
“I just think this holds our feet to the fire,” Lee Frey, board vice president, said of the board’s motion approved Wednesday.
Leo Daprile, a co-chairman of the Committee to Support Canfield Schools told the board so far the campaigning has gone well. Daprile was also a part of the committee that recommended the school board ask for a levy.
“We are creating advocates out of people who have been on the fence,” Daprile told the board. “This motion is very significant from where we stand.”
Daprile believes the board’s motion will show the community that it listened. All four members at the meeting accepted the motion. School board member Adrianne Sturm did not attend.
“[We] are unanimously in support of what you are doing,” said Craig Olson, board president, to Daprile.
If the voters approve, high school students would once again have access to buses, there would be additional middle school bus stops in place and door-to-door service for kindergarten through fourth grade would be implemented. In addition, course offerings giving students more opportunities would be added, and districtwide safety improvements would be made.
“We are going to get something passed in November,” said Alex Geordan, superintendent of Canfield schools. “We are confident in that.”
Geordan has been present at community meetings to explain why the levy is needed.
The business manager for the schools, Rich Archer, told the board the public announcement system is in need of repairs in 20 to 25 additional areas to the three main areas already known. This could result in needing an entire new PA system because it is a safety issue.
Archer also noted issues with the PA system at the middle school. “You want to be able to communicate to every part of the school,” Archer said.