By Sue Kiesewetter, Enquirer contributor, and
Cindy Kranz, Enquirer staff writer

FINNEYTOWN - Like many districts in Ohio, Finneytown Local School District is facing a deficit and will seek an operating levy on the November ballot.

The millage for the levy is being calculated.

The district projects a $2 million deficit in the 2005-06 school year. By passing a levy in November, administrators said the district will be able to maintain current or slightly lower staffing levels while using some combination of cost-containment and new money.

Brad King, director of administrative services, noted that liability and health insurance costs, as well as utilities and fuel, have continued to increase despite the district joining consortiums and group purchasing arrangements that have saved thousands of dollars.

Residents Tony Gast and Cindy Rebman are co-chairs of the levy committee and are seeking volunteers to assist with the campaign. Call Gast at 729-1601 or Rebman at 541-7070.

Winton Woods seeks interim board member

FOREST PARK - Lori L. Handler has announced her resignation from the Winton Woods School District Board of Education, effective June 30.

She cited increasing demands for her time with her family and employment responsibilities.

The board is accepting applications from district residents to serve the remainder of her term through December 2005. Written applications must be received by July 12 at the board office, 1215 W. Kemper Road.

The applications should state interests, qualifications, experiences, why you would make a good board member and any other information the board might want to consider.

Wyoming treasurer moving to north Ohio

WYOMING - Wyoming City Schools treasurer William Parkinson has resigned to take the position of treasurer of the Strongsville City Schools in northern Ohio.

The Wyoming Board of Education will appoint an interim treasurer and search for Parkinson's replacement.

Talawanda raising student athletic fees

OXFORD - The cost of participating in sports in the Talawanda Schools is increasing.

Beginning in August, the first sport at Talawanda High School will cost $150 per student, with each additional sport costing $75.

At the middle school, the first sport will cost $100 with each subsequent sport costing $50. A maximum cost of $500 has been set for each family.

The increased cost of sports, a 5 percent decrease in building and department budgets, the elimination of one administrative staff position and elimination of copy machines are expected to save the district $250,000 annually.

E-mail school news to kandrew@enquirer.com