COLUMBUS, Ohio — Voters in Marysville can expect to see a 5.5 mill levy on the ballot on Election Day.
Superintendent Diane Allen and the district’s treasurer, Todd Johnson, said it would generate around $6.4 million annually, and allow the district to sustain its operations in the next five years.
The district tried to pass a levy in 2023, but it failed when more than 55% of voters voted against it.
Since then, Allen said the district reduced $2.2 million in expenses and cut 17 teachers, 8 support staff and one administrator.
“Can we spend less? Yes, but there is no low-hanging fruit out there any way we are going to reduce spending is going to be felt, felt by our parents our students and our staff,” Johnson said.
Superintendent Allen said the district lowered the cost of the levy based on feedback after the failure and hopes voters will reconsider this year. The district has not passed a levy since 2008.
Since the 2017-2018 school year, the district has grown by 450 students and the district expects that growth to continue.
“We reached the place where our enrollment is growing and our revenue hasn’t kept pace with that,” Allen said.
If the levy fails again, Allen warns there will be more noticeable cuts across the district. The contingency plans calls for the elimination of school resource officers, an increased fee for extracurriculars, elimination of 30 staff members and cuts to programs like music, art, physical education, technology and STEM and AP courses and electives.
The levy would cost residents $192.50 annually per $100,000 of the value of their homes.
Some voters are still making up their minds.
“I am kind of undecided at this point although I want the school to see some funds it is a great amount that they are asking for so I am kind of an adamant believer that you want to ask for a little bit at a time, but now they want to hit me pretty hard and with house values as they are -- 5.5 mil is quite a bit,” said Sarah Fritz, a district parent.
Others said they are willing to support the district, no matter the cost.
“All we can do is make sure the schools in this town and every town are always taken care of really well and that goes for sports and your classes you need the better teachers it is a good thing,” said Richard McNeil, Marysville resident.
The district plans to host information sessions to inform voters about the levy ahead of the election on November 5.