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Sycamore Board of Education Announces Levy Proposal
The Sycamore Community Schools Board of Education has announced its intention to place a continuing operating levy on the ballot for the November 2016 election to continue to serve our students and families in an exemplary manner. The 6.5 mill continuing levy will be used to fund operating and maintenance expenses for the district. It is the first request for a new levy for operations in 12 years; a feat accomplished by limiting the rate of expense growth to less than 1-percent per year as part of the Board’s commitment with the community.
The proposed levy would generate approximately $11 million dollars per year. Collection would begin January 2017. The Board has discussed the recommended millage rate based on the district’s five-year forecast, which projects our expense growth to meet or beat inflation.
The last increase for operations was approved in 2004 as a five year limited levy and renewed on a continuing basis in 2009. Through diligent cost savings efforts, the district was able to make that last a total of 12 years, seven years beyond the original forecast.
“This is the right time and the right amount to continue the high quality of education our community demands,” said Frank A. Forsthoefel, superintendent. “Sycamore is committed to efficient and effective operations and will aggressively work toward extending this levy as long as possible, as we have done in the past.”
In 2015, the state of Ohio eliminated the Tangible Personal Property tax reimbursement provided to many school districts, including Sycamore. This will result in a loss of $9 million total for Sycamore or nearly 12-percent of our budget. Sycamore Community Schools continues to work with the state legislature on education funding.
The Board is committed to making the proposed operating levy last for at least five years. The Board will take formal action at the Board of Education meeting on March 16.
The proposed levy would generate approximately $11 million dollars per year. Collection would begin January 2017. The Board has discussed the recommended millage rate based on the district’s five-year forecast, which projects our expense growth to meet or beat inflation.
The last increase for operations was approved in 2004 as a five year limited levy and renewed on a continuing basis in 2009. Through diligent cost savings efforts, the district was able to make that last a total of 12 years, seven years beyond the original forecast.
“This is the right time and the right amount to continue the high quality of education our community demands,” said Frank A. Forsthoefel, superintendent. “Sycamore is committed to efficient and effective operations and will aggressively work toward extending this levy as long as possible, as we have done in the past.”
In 2015, the state of Ohio eliminated the Tangible Personal Property tax reimbursement provided to many school districts, including Sycamore. This will result in a loss of $9 million total for Sycamore or nearly 12-percent of our budget. Sycamore Community Schools continues to work with the state legislature on education funding.
The Board is committed to making the proposed operating levy last for at least five years. The Board will take formal action at the Board of Education meeting on March 16.
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