The Mayfield Board of Education voted unanimously during the
July 19th special board meeting to place a 6.9-mill combination levy
on the November 8, 2016 ballot. With voter approval, the ballot issue will
include a 5.0-mill operating levy to pay for daily operating expenses and a
1.9-mill continuing permanent improvement levy to pay for capital expenditures
such as technology, building maintenance and improved safety at each school,
such as cameras and communication systems with first responders.
Voters last
passed a levy for district operations in 2012 which was expected to last three
years. However, the district was able to stretch its last levy request to four
years due to the district’s focus on responsible financial planning.
“Our schools
have a strong record when it comes to fiscal stewardship. In fact, our school
leaders have earned the State Auditor's Award for careful money management,”
said Superintendent Keith Kelly. “This helps tremendously but does not
eliminate the need for additional funds to keep our schools and curriculum
strong.”
Cuts in state
funding and changes in state tax laws eliminating business taxes that helped
support education have negatively impacted the district’s budget. Over the next
two years, Mayfield City Schools will lose $4 million in funding from the
state. Funding from this levy will maintain current programming and staff
levels.
“The November
ballot issue is critical because it will maintain our outstanding teacher corps
and continue funding for all academic programs. This levy will support all of
our curricular programs, including STEM2M and the programs at the Mayfield
Innovation Center which provide rigorous learning opportunities so our students
are career and college ready,” said School Board President Sue Groszek.
"Residents have historically received excellent value for their investment
in our schools. What this levy does is
protect and preserve that quality."
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