Thursday, January 28, 1999
Emergency school funds sought
District fears staff shortages
BY MIRIAM SMITH
The Cincinnati Enquirer
SPRINGBORO — Board of education members agreed Wednesday to seek a five-year, 4.6-mill emergency operating levy on the May ballot so the district can hire more staff.
If the tax increase doesn't pass, the district won't be able to open the newly renovated Springboro Elementary School this fall because there won't be enough staff, officials say.
The levy, which would generate $1.85 million annually, would cost the owner of a $100,000 house about $141 more in taxes a year.
Officials will vote next week to place it on the ballot after auditors have reviewed the levy proposal, as state law requires.
The board also approved a five-year plan outlining strategies to meet future financial needs.
Voters in November defeated a 4.89-mill operating levy to generate $1.85 million over three years to staff the new elementary school and reduce class sizes.
Superintendent Gary Meier gave a proposal addressing district staffing needs over the next five years.
Mr. Meier has said the district's explosive growth — it grew by about 160 students this year and was the seventh-fastest-growing in Greater Cincinnati — has led to difficulties in hiring enough staff.
School officials anticipate the rapid growth in the district will continue because of overall growth in the area.
The district needs $436,440 for more staff for next school year, with or without the approval of a levy, just to keep pace with enrollment growth, according to Mr. Meier's proposal.
It will cost $286,281 in additional staff to open the renovated Springboro Elementary School in the fall.
It also will cost $1.1 million for more staff to reduce class sizes, enhance course offerings and provide intervention and support staff for students.
State law also requires that 13 percent of the general fund budget be set aside for materials, supplies, capital improvements and a budget reserve.
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