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On May 3, Xenia Community Schools (XCS) will face two important renewal levies that will protect the progress in our schools. The XCS ballot issues are a renewal of the district’s current one-half-of-one-percent income tax and the renewal of a 1.3 mill permanent improvement (PI) levy. Issues 3 and 4 are NOT new taxes.
Thanks to the continuing support of the community, both issues have been in existence for many years---since 1997 for the income tax levy and 1986 for the permanent improvement or PI levy.
In fact, it’s been seven years since Xenia has a levy for additional operating dollars. The bond issue that was passed for school construction cannot be used to replace the funds in Issues 3 and 4---that would be illegal. It is not possible to shift funds from construction accounts.
Recognizing these challenging economic times, the District has already tightened its belt by slashing $7.2 million from its budget this school year and for next year. Nearly 100 staff positions have been eliminated among other cost-saving measures.
All employees have agreed to a zero percent increase in base salaries for the current school year. Xenia Community Schools remain committed to working with staff, parents and taxpayers to maintain a lean and efficient budget while providing strong, successful schools.
Issue 3 and 4 will maintain critical funding for our schools. Because off anticipated state cuts, Xenia schools will lose millions of dollars in state aid. Failure of Issues 3 and 4 would deeply affect the district’s academic progress.
Mark your calendars to vote on May 3 in this important election. Voters can also vote early by casting an absentee ballot beginning March 29. Contact the Greene County Board of Election by phone at (937) 562-7470 or at www.co. greene.oh.us/BOE/ for more information on early voting.
The Facts About Issues 3 and 4:
What:
The Xenia Community Schools ballot issues are a renewal of the District’s current one-half-of-one percent income tax and the renewal of a 1.3mill permanent improvement levy. Issues 3 and 4 are NOT new taxes.
Why:
Issue 3 is the renewal of the Permanent Improvement (PI) levy providing funding for maintaining buildings, as well as purchasing school buses and educational equipment. Issue 4 provides critical funding for day-to-day operations of our schools including teachers, textbooks, utilities and supplies.
When:
Issues 3 and 4 for Xenia Community Schools are on the ballot Tuesday, May 3. Voters can cast their ballot early at the Greene County Board of Elections or by mail. The polls will be open May 3 from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Your questions answered about the two vital renewal issues on your May 3 ballot
Here are some frequently asked questions about the upcoming ballot issues:
Q: What will the renewal levies cost me?
A: Issues 3 and 4 are not new taxes and will NOT increase your tax rate.
Q: How will the money from the renewal levy be spent?
A: Dollars from Issue 3, a PI levy, can ONLY be used for items intended to have a life of five years or more, such as desks, computers, lab equipment, school buses, and building repairs and improvements.
Dollars from Issue 4, the income tax renewal, will continue to go directly into the classroom and are for the day-to-day operations of our schools.
Thanks to the continued support of our community, both levies have been in existence for many years: since 1997 for the income tax levy and 1986 for the permanent improvement levy.
Q: Why don’t the schools just use the money from the bond issue we passed for new schools?
A: Because that would be illegal. Ohio law requires that money voted for buildings through a bond issue must be used for that purpose ONLY. It is not possible to shift bond funds to operating accounts.
Q: How critical are these funds from Issues 3 and 4?
A: Very. In fact, the income tax annually provides approximately $3 million to our Xenia school budget. These levy dollars represent important funding and will keep Xenia schools on the path to progress. Without Issues 3 and 4, we will have to enact additional cuts that will impact the quality of our schools.
Q: My family budget has been impacted by this current economic downturn and I have made adjustments. What does the district do to live within ITS means?
A: Xenia schools have made many significant, long-term reductions in the budget in order to be efficient and save taxpayer dollars. Over the past two years, for example, our Board of Education has cut $7.2 million from school operating budgets by reducing staff at all levels and eliminating other services and programs. Massive state aid cuts will only make the situation worse. That’s another vital reason why passing Issues 3 and 4 is so important.
Q: How can I vote-by-mail (”absentee ballot”) in the May 3 election?
A: Contact the Greene County Board of Elections at (937) 562-7470 or visit http://www.co.greene.oh.us/BOE/ and click on “Absentee Information”.
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