By CASSANDRA SHOFAR
Staff Writer
MEDINA — Realizing it’s hard enough passing an operating levy with the current economic climate, let alone with only half the board members’ support, the Medina City School Board decided Monday night not to go on the November ballot.
The board looked at several options in the recent months, including a phase-in property tax levy, which would spread the millage out over the course of a few years; however, it was decided the district would wait until next year.
“I think at the March ballot, we heard pretty clear communication that people are not yet ready to fund the district’s operating costs,†said board member Susan Vlcek. “People have also challenged us to think outside the box. There is a lot of outside-the-box thinking that we can do. We have a lot of challenges ahead of us.â€
While breaking ground for two new elementary schools — which were funded by sales-tax revenue but need separate funding for operating costs — the school district also needs operating funds.
The elementary schools will be located at the corner of state routes 162 and 3 in Montville Township and on the south side of East Reagan Parkway in the city.
Vlcek, along with board member Rob Wilder, said she believes there isn’t enough time between now and November to thoroughly communicate with residents about the importance of an operating levy.
While they both agree not having new money coming in will hurt the district and some cuts in programs may ensue, the economy’s effects and the disconnect between the community and district carry too much weight in the decision to pass a levy.
“We had a resounding message at the last election,†Wilder said. “I’m finding more and more people can’t support the schools the way they’d like to right now. And even though we have done a lot of cost cutting, I don’t think it’s being perceived that way.â€
Board member Bill Grenfell was not present at the board meeting, causing the board to be split, with board member Mark Dolan and board President Tom Ebner in favor of putting the issue on November’s ballot.
Dolan’s main reasoning for putting the levy on the ballot was to open lines of communication with residents by giving them a mechanism to tell the district what they value.
“I want to hear from the voters, hear what they have to say,†he said. “And to have a reason to hear from them. People are more apt to come out and speak to us when they have an issue to talk about. If we don’t put something on the ballot, I think in their minds there won’t be an issue.â€
Ebner and Superintendent Randy Stepp added they believe the community should have the opportunity to weigh in and decide they will fund the district’s operating costs or, if not, then discuss what reductions should be made and hear from the community on what they do value.
However, between the economic climate and the split vote, Stepp said the board can’t expect a levy to pass.
“I think there’s a trust issue (with the public) … and a disconnect,†he said. “We have to open up the communication lines.â€
Wilder added: “Communication is key. We have to try even harder to hear what (the community’s) message is and have discussions about what we value as a community.â€
Shofar may be reached at 330-721-4044 or cshofar@ohio.net.
Your right that the “community” does not want to hear about another levy, especially involving property tax. There are a lot of people who can’t afford the taxes as they are. Our taxes went up to over $3000 this year. In a one income household, that is entirely way too much. It seems like every year the school wants more and more money. Sure the area is expanding at a fast pace. I look at the amount of money that was spent on the new high school, sure a new larger one was needed, but why so extravagant? If you want money from the community to run these new elementary schools, why didn’t the “community” have any say in where they were going to be located? The Reagan Park idea: 1) the traffic will be a nightmare. 2) The street will in no way be wide enough to accommodate, so there will be more money needed to expand that.3) The neighborhood, the people who live in the immediate area have complained, especially the elderly.
4) The wildlife was already disrupted when the road was put in. 5) The area was used as natural/park-like for people to walk their dogs, ride their bikes or to just simply walk/hike. I think if you expect the “community” to respond well to another levy, there needs to be more thought on how the money is spent.
Yes we are all aware of the tight budgets in every family. This is not the time for a new levy. We need to think outside the box. Look at all the empty buildings in Medina and the businesses that are closing. Did anyone every consider existing buildings for schools. The library was great when it was over in the old DIY building. Some how they managed to make it work. Plenty of parking, located in a neighborhood, and then the pet store is closed too. that would be a great place for a school. Just fence off an outside area for recreation. Then there is tha old TSC building on the corner of Fenn. It may not be big enough, but it could be looked into. I agree that Reagan Parkway is going to be a traffic nightmare. Each drive as it is located now is just beyond a hill, crating blind spots….it is a wreck waiting to happen. Sometime I wonder if these architects even visit the sites or are they all done on paper? I think this superindendent and the school board are a little smarter than the last bunch. They realize the community needs to develope a better image of the school board. The only way they listen to the people is through a levy being defeated which was a very large and loud NO. The meetings and get togethers are always at night and some people cannot attend for various reasons. It is also intimidating for most folks to be put on the spot in front of a group. There also newed to be a better focus on the existing schools and their needs. It is always build bigger, better and fancier schools with wasted space and the older schools are neglected. Put more of theis tax money towards the existing schools instead of the new schools.And can anyone answer the question…why do you keep taking things like shop and home ec out of the schools and saying that it is a duplication of services offered at the MCCC. Sometimes it would be nice to for the students to know basic car maintenece and how to balance a check book or plan and cook a nutritious meal.