May 5, 2009 – Substitute Levy Facts

The West Clermont School Board has placed a substitute levy on the May 5 ballot. The 6.91 mill continuing levy would replace the 7.9 mill five year emergency levy that was passed in 2004. That levy expires at the end of 2009.

The substitute levy won’t raise school taxes.

The district will have to cut $1.8 million from the budget every year because the levy will not provide enough revenue to cover district expenses.

This reduction is the latest in a series of budget cuts totaling $11.5 million dollars that the Superintendent and Board have implemented since passage of a 7.9 mill emergency levy in March 2004. Since that time, the Board has eliminated more than 100 positions from the district across all job classifications.

The May 5 substitute levy will generate the same revenue that the March 2004 emergency 7.9 mill levy brought in – approximately 9.7 million dollars annually for district operations. That amount is approximately 14% of the district’s annual expenditures.

Failure to pass the May 5 operating levy will result in catastrophic cuts totaling nearly $10,000,000 (14% of general fund operating funds). A reduction of this magnitude would necessitate massive layoffs of teachers and staff in all areas, elimination of elective and advanced course offerings, extra-curricular opportunities, and a dramatic reduction of transportation for the district’s 9,200 students.

Until the economy turns around, the Board and Administration feel that the substitute levy is the best option for the community.

If you have questions or would like additional information please contact Alana Cropper, District treasurer at 943-5022