WHITEHOUSE, Ohio — Anthony Wayne Local Schools is going to voters with a five-year operational levy that will appear on the ballot in March.
The board of education approved a plan to balance the budget at a regular meeting on Monday. The board is now asking voters to consider a five-year, 2.42 operational levy that would generate $3.3 million to fund day-to-day operations if passed and preserve existing services and programs for students.
The school district said they have the lowest effective millage rate in Lucas County and that it has been 10 years since voters approved new operational funding.
“The District works hard to utilize conservative fiscal practices while still providing an outstanding learning experience for our students,” said AWLS superintendent Jim Fritz. “Unfortunately, our federal, state and local revenue is being outpaced by an increase in the costs for maintaining the same level of academic and enrichment opportunities.”
According to AWLS, school leaders have already cut nearly $500,000 from the current school year expenses, but further cuts are needed to overcome around $4.4 million shortfall over the next two years.
While the district hopes voters approve the operational levy, they said that cuts will occur regardless of the levy's outcome. That would include personnel reductions due to retirement and resignation, and the elimination of an administrative position.
If the levy does not pass, the district said further cuts will take place that will affect the 2024-25 and 2025-26 school years. Those include the adoption of a pay-to-participate program for athletics, cutting staff, administrative and supplemental positions, and reducing bus transportation. It would also include further reducing materials, supplies budgets, and purchased and contracted services.
“Throughout this process, we worked to keep the district’s mission, vision and goals at the forefront of our decision making,” Fritz said. “We want to remain among the top school districts in the state and mindful of making decisions that adversely affect the classroom environment.”
More information on the proposed operational levy can be found HERE.