Monday, February 08, 1999
School board vote on levy tonight
BY DANA DiFILIPPO
The Cincinnati Enquirer
Although they remain divided on how much to seek, Cincinnati Board of Education members are expected to vote tonight about whether to ask voters in May to approve a tax increase.
The 47,400-student district wants more money to keep up with inflation, fix crumbling buildings and erase a $30 million spending gap between magnet programs and neighborhood schools.
The 7 p.m. meeting will be at district headquarters, 2651 Burnet Ave., Corryville.
When levy discussions started last month, administrators figured they would need $92 million to meet all those needs.
But they recognized residents probably wouldn't support that large of a hike. A $92 million increase would mean an extra $390 in taxes for the owner of a $75,000 home.
So officials say they'll probably settle for an amount smaller than what the district really needs.
To keep up with inflation, the district needs $38 million, Treasurer Richard Gardner said.
Anti-tax activists have said district leaders do not deserve more money until they boost low student achievement and cut budget “fat,” such as high salaries.
“It's a very tough decision,” board member Harriet Russell said. “It would be great if we would hear from people at the public board meetings that we absolutely ought to go for a levy.
“But we've pretty much only heard from people that are absolutely against any levy.”
Agreed board member Virginia Griffin: “We've been talking to people in the community, but I don't know if there's any consensus on the board. I guess we'll find out at (tonight's) meeting.”
Without an increase, the district probably will have to cut nearly $20 million from its operating budget, Mr. Gardner has said.
Officials have until Feb. 18 to get the issue on the May 4 ballot.
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