Bellbrook school board OKs cuts, consider smaller tax proposal

Cuts of nearly $1 million will be made in Bellbrook-Sugarcreek schools by not increasing salaries and not filling three to five staffing positions, according to a release from the district.

>> RELATED: Bellbrook schools stick to budget cuts for now, won't return to ballot in fall 

The school board on Thursday approved the planned cuts for next school year as part of the second of two phases of budget reductions. Board members also took the first step toward placing a new tax proposal before voters in March.

If board members approve a second resolution next month, a 5.7-mill operating levy would be placed on the March ballot. The tax would cost homeowners close to $200 per $100,000 of appraised value in annual property taxes.

Voters soundly rejected the district's last request for an additional tax in May. That proposal, a 7.5-mill levy, was defeated 63% to 37%.

>> RELATED: $900K in cuts discussed to avoid deficit in Bellbrook-Sugarcreek schools

The levy is needed to help fund the district’s day-to-day operations, such as staffing, utilities, transportation and supplies, according to the district's release.

“Our community spoke and we listened — They wanted us to make additional cuts and reductions before returning to the ballot,” Superintendent Doug Cozad said in a prepared statement. “Now we have done all that we can. We should not let our schools falter due to continued strains to our budget and an unconstitutional public school funding model, but ultimately it is up to the community to decide what kind of schools it wants and I will respect whatever decision our residents make at the ballot in March.”

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