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Huber Heights City Schools recently received two monetary donations from citizens — acts unprecedented for the district, which had its sixth straight levy request for new operating money defeated earlier this month.
The donations for this month total $70, but one of the residents, Mike Miller, said he plans to make his $20 donation on a monthly basis to cover what he would have paid had the levy passed.
On Nov. 4, voters rejected the district's proposed five-year, 6.95-mill additional operating levy. If the school levy had passed, it would have generated more than $4.4 million per year and cost a homeowner of a $100,000 house an additional $243 a year.
The district would have restored more than $2.5 million in programs and services if it passed.
“Maybe my $20 (a month) will do something,” said Miller, who voted for the levy. “I know I’m just one person, but as more people hear about this and learn about this, by the time things are done, maybe they’ll have an extra $1 million to use.”
According to district treasurer Ann Bernardo, Steve Zbinden made a $50 donation. Bernardo said the money is in the general fund. She said it’s the first time in district history citizens have made monetary donations after a levy failure.
“It’s nice to know there are people who want to help our kids in the community,” Bernardo said. “I believe (the donations will continue). This is something that people are so passionate about.”
Zbinden and his wife Richelle — who both voted for the levy — have two children enrolled at Rushmore Elementary. He said his $50 donation is what it would have cost to take his family to a Wayne playoff football game.
Zbinden said he hopes to make more donations in the future.
“The community gets behind athletics, but when it comes down to supporting the school and the resources they need, all of a sudden people get quiet,” Zbinden said. “They’ll support football, but they won’t take it to the polls. That’s what I see in the community.”
Miller and his wife Ashley have two children who attend Valley Forge Elementary. He said his children have gym class only once a week, and their use of the library is limited.
“I want my kids to have better opportunities,” said Miller, a 2000 Wayne graduate. “I want my property value to stay steady. I’m invested in the community, and I want a good return on my investments. I chose to live in Huber, and it’s been good to me and I want it to continue to be that way.”
Bernardo said there have not been discussions yet about possibly placing a levy on the ballot in May. Voters last approved an operating levy in 2005.
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