By Michael D. Clark
The Cincinnati Enquirer

HAMILTON TWP. - There's nothing small about Little Miami Schools when it comes to this booming Warren County school system's student enrollment, and district officials say they have to ask residents next year to pay for new school buildings.

A community forum meeting Thursday evening at Little Miami High School drew more than 80 residents who heard district officials outline two school tax issue options.

"We're facing a serious challenge in this school district - the challenge of growth," said Little Miami Superintendent Daniel Bennett in reference to the district's enrollment growth, which has gone from 2,098 in 1993 to 3,085 this year at a rate that is now adding 200 new students per year and expected to double enrollment in a decade.

Bennett cited the district's "excellent" Ohio academic rating but added "we have to maintain it."

Bennett proposed two school levies - one an estimated 3.91 mills that would raise $30 million to build a new intermediate school and a new elementary - was projected as costing the owner of a $100,000 home an additional $120 per year in school taxes.

The other option - a 4.55-mill levy that would raise $35 million for two new grade schools - was projected as costing the same homeowner an additional $144 annually.

Little Miami spokeswoman Catherine Nolte said the district is planning to place a single tax issue option on the November 2004 ballot.

Nolte said opinions from the public forum will be reviewed by district officials and processed into more detailed school construction plans that will also be presented to district residents before going to the school board next year for final approval to place a new property tax increase proposal on the fall ballot.

Tom Gomez, who is among the homeowners having moved to the Little Miami district in recent years, said he appreciated the district seeking his opinion at such an early stage in deciding on a school levy.

"I wanted to find out what they are planning, what it will cost and how they plan to pay for it," Gomez said.

E-mail mclark@enquirer.com