MARYSVILLE, Ohio — The Marysville Schools levy failed a second year in a row when 51% of voters said no to a 5.5 mill levy on Tuesday
In response, the district has warned of making drastic changes to save money which includes raising fees for sports and activities from $200 to $770.
Crystal Dille, a mother of five, said her family members already helped cover her daughter’s fees to participate in the color guard. With the increase in costs, she worries about her younger children, when they are old enough to participate in extracurriculars.
“I can’t imagine what it is going to be like when we have a bunch of little ones trying to get into sports in school,” she said.
Dille also worried about the opportunities that will be available after the cuts.
A local business, Buckeye Family Pizzeria, took to social media with a plan of action to help families cover those “pay to play” fees.
The post reads:
“As a business in Marysville, Ohio we support our community and our school district. We are a true believer kids should play sports. Since the levy didn't pass and pay to play fees will be increasing, we decided to setup a Local business fund through our non-profit Buckeye Family Charity.”
Other community members and business owners started commenting, asking how they too could help. One of them was Wendy Nuspl, who owns Jazzercise in Marysville.
“I have three kids in the district. Two have graduated and one is a senior and the opportunities they have had in our schools have been amazing from the AP classes to involvement in sports, to the extracurriculars: theatre and music, especially show choir and it allowed them to benefit so much. I didn’t want anyone to miss out on the opportunities,” Nuspl said.
The pizzeria is putting together a raffle, which Nuspl hopes to donate to.
As the rest of the details are being worked out, the community response has been uplifting for parents like Dille, amidst unexpected levy results.
“I am not surprised because Marysville tends to stick together and come together like that,” she said.