Oakwood Schools moves forward with May levy request, hires treasurer

Credit: Contributed by Oakwood Schools

Credit: Contributed by Oakwood Schools

School board members are asking for residents to approve a combined operating levy and bond issue on the May ballot.

RELATED: Oakwood schools take first step toward levy on May ballot

Oakwood Board of Education members Monday night approved the second step to place the issue before voters on May 7.

The ballot issue is one request with two parts: a 4.99-mill operating levy and a 2.7-mill bond.

The continuing operating levy would generate $1.6 million a year, which would cost taxpayers an additional $175 a year per $100,000 of appraised home value, the Montgomery County Auditor’s Office reported.

The district said the request is the lowest for operating dollars in 30 years.

“We are keenly aware of the investment our residents already make in the Oakwood Schools. No one wants to raise taxes, but we believe the schools represent a great return on our community’s investment. These operating dollars will allow us to retain a quality staff and provide an exceptional quality of education, preparing all of our kids for their very bright futures,” said Superintendent Kyle Ramey in a prepared statement.

RELATED: Oakwood schools seeking levy to fund master facilities plan

The 2.7-mill bond would generate $18 million,and would be used for the first phase of the district’s master facility plan. It will cost taxpayers $95 a year per $100,000 of appraised home value, the auditor’s office reports.

“We have heard from our community the desire to maintain and preserve our beautiful and iconic buildings and our plan honors those desires. Phase I is focused on prioritized, foundational infrastructure at the junior and senior high building, and targeted infrastructure at Smith and Harman to address critical upgrades,” Board President Todd Duwel stated.

Also Monday, the district announced that Julia Belden was selected as the new chief financial officer/treasurer. She begins Jan. 22, and replaces Kevin Philo who left to become treasure for Fairborn City Schools.

Belden served as CFO of the Community Blood Center and Community Tissue Services from 1993 to 2016, and most recently as CFO of Five Rivers Health Centers.

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