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Beavercreek emergency school issue rejected

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By Mark Gokavi, Staff Writer Updated 9:43 AM Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Voters Tuesday told Beavercreek City Schools to tighten its belt further, even if that means cutting programs, staff and some busing.

With all 50 precincts reporting, the no votes unofficially defeated the yes votes 56 percent to 44 percent (11,112 to 8,788).

The 6.7-mill emergency levy would have raised $10.95 million annually and cost homeowners $205.19 for each $100,000 of appraised property value.

In May, the district’s 9.9-mill emergency operating levy that would have raised $16.35 million annually for five years was defeated 67 percent to 33 percent. Tuesday’s levy was 3.2 mills lower than the May attempt.

This vote was closer, but officials said the district’s streak of 11 straight “Excellent” ratings on the Ohio Department of Education’s report card could be in jeopardy.

“I’m very disappointed,” Beavercreek Superintendent Nick Verhoff said. “A lot of people put a lot of time and energy in this levy in engaging and informing the community about what we face as a district.

“As a result of the levy’s defeat, it will mean $2 million in reductions to our budget and that will be in supplies and services and programs and personnel.”

Since May, the district cut its entire pay scale 2 percent and employees are contributing more to their health insurance. Since February, the district has had two rounds of cuts totaling more than $11 million in expenses.

Beavercreek officials claimed the district was among the hardest hit of Ohio’s 613 districts with 28 percent in reduced state money this year. District officials said they would increase classroom sizes and student activity fees if the levy didn’t pass.

Specific cuts include:

• Bus service for all high school students; bus service for middle school students living within a 2-mile radius of their schools (both January 2012).

• K-Plus program for struggling kindergartners (2012-13) and 25 intervention tutors at elementary schools (January 2012)

• Two teachers who teach gifted students; all Chinese language instruction at the high school and at Main Elementary; eliminating librarians below high school (all 2012-13).

• Five Central office jobs; 15 support staff positions.

• Reduced contracts for other staff; increased pay-to-participate fees.

“The harsh reality is if we don’t increase our revenue stream,” Verhoff said. “Our only other option is to continue to cut our budget to state minimums.”

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