Enon to vote on Greenon renewal levy

0

ENON — The Greenon Local School District is asking voters to approve the renewal of an existing operating levy on the Nov. 3 ballot.

The five-year, 1.93-mill levy, which was originally passed 30 years ago and last approved by voters in 2011, generates approximately $500,000 annually for the operations of the district. If the levy is approved, the school district would avoid an operating deficit and the owner of a $100,000 home would continue to pay $67.55 per year, according to the Clark County Auditor’s Office.

Greenon Local School District Superintendent Brad Silvus said the district needs the levy renewal to continue to fund operations at the present level and noted that approval of the levy would not increase taxes or the amount of money generated for the school district.

“It is an operating levy, so the funding goes to the district’s general fund which is used for general expenses of doing business such as materials, supplies, salaries and utilities,” Silvus said.

According to Silvus, the current levy will expire at the end of 2016, and if the levy renewal is not approved, the Greenon Local Schools Board of Education will then discuss how to proceed. However, the superintendent did not outline any possible cuts that would be made if the issue does not pass.

District officials recently pointed out that the Greenon Local School District expanded class offerings and revitalized programs for the 2015-16 school year, while at the same time maintained its commitment to fiscal responsibility.

“We recognize that the community has high expectations for the district, and we are dedicated to ensuring that the community’s investment in its schools meets those goals,” Greenon Local Schools Treasurer Brad McKee said.

The school district currently operates three school buildings — Greenon High School, Indian Valley Middle School and Enon Primary School. Enon Primary School currently has an enrollment of 300 students, and Indian Valley Middle School houses approximately 600 students. Greenon High School has 800 students enrolled.

Silvus said he believes taxpayers understand the need for the renewal and will support it on Tuesday.

“The Greenon community has a longstanding history of generously supporting the students and the schools,” Silvus said. “Approval of the renewal levy will preserve the district’s current level of funding and our ability to provide the quality of education the community expects from its schools.”

By Linda Collins

For the Herald

Linda Collins is a freelance writer for Greene County News.

No posts to display