Crushing defeat: Lake Local Schools' levy fails, $3.1 million in cuts coming to district
LAKE TWP. ‒ Lake Local Schools voters made their position clear: It's time to eliminate expenses, not turn to taxpayers for additional tax funding.
The unofficial count of Tuesday's election shows voters rejected a 9.9-mill, five-year levy request by 278 votes.
Superintendent Kevin Tobin said the levy defeat is crushing.
"The committee worked very hard for the last 11 months," Tobin said. "We readjusted and pivoted and listened to the community, changing the millage and the length of the tax. We made up ground but not enough. It's unfortunate and very frustrating."
The tax measure would have generated $6.3 million in new money for the district's operating expenses.
According to the Stark County Auditor's office, the additional cost to a homeowner would have been another $346.50 annually for each $100,000 of home valuation.
Terry Byers said he voted against the tax because the measure was seeking too much.
"Obviously they need to reduce their spending, mainly staff," he said.
He acknowledged the district's top spot among Stark County schools but Byers believes Lake can continue to maintain its educational status despite the need to reduce staff and programs.
Several voters, who did not want to be identified, also said they voted against the measure. They said they wouldn't support another tax.
Matt Haddon cast a yes vote for the levy, but he admits it was a hard decision.
"It's a high price to pay but it was the right decision," he said. "For those on a fixed income, it could be a major hit. It was a really hard, tough decision. It's unfortunate they can't find another way."
What's next for Lake Local Schools?
District officials have already cut $1 million from the budget and are facing a $3.1 million deficit.
Tobin said without the new money they will have to make tough choices, including reducing staff by 20 to 25 positions, cutting busing and eliminating programs such as art and AP courses.
Students will have to pay $950 to participate in sports.
It's possible some of those changes could take place soon such as play-to-pay for winter sports.
"That's something the board is going to have to talk about," Tobin said. "(Wednesday) I have the task of starting to plan and get prepared."
He said the district is doing wonderful things and earned a five-star rating from the state.
"We have great people but unfortunately it's going to look different as we move forward," Tobin said. "The $3.1 million in cuts going into next year is real and it's going to impact a lot of people."
It's unclear if voters will see another tax levy next year. With the presidential race, the primary will take place in March, leaving a tight deadline to place an issue on the spring ballot.
"It's very unfortunate for our kids and community," he said. "All other districts in Stark, their people rallied and got their issues passed. If you don't invest (in your schools) you are going to get what you pay for. I think we made some bad choices today."
Reach Amy at 330-775-1135 or amy.knapp@indeonline.com.
This article originally appeared on The Independent: Lake voters reject 9.9-mill tax levy; major cuts coming
