Treasurer outlines how excess levy funds are spent; board begins planning for 2026 renewal

The Monongalia County Board of Education held a work session May 27 on the district’s existing excess levy and initial plans for a renewal to appear before voters in May 2026.

Treasurer Nicole (identified in the meeting as the district treasurer) gave a data-heavy presentation that laid out projected net tax collections for fiscal year 2025–26, items funded by the levy, and choices the board must address as it plans a renewal. She said the district projects about $35.6 million in net taxes for FY25–26 and that an approved excess levy currently represents about 20% of the district’s operating budget.

Nicole described categories the levy supports and sample allocations: instructional materials and school allocations ($1,500,000); technology plan and hardware ($1,250,000); pupil services including guidance, nursing and school resource officers ($1,500,000); extracurriculars and athletics ($1,250,000); operations and utilities (about $2,000,000 for operations and $1.4 million for utilities); repairs, additions and facility improvements ($2,500,000); and salary supplements and benefits ($20,400,000). She also noted past levies have enabled major capital projects and matching for state SBA grants; she cited a combined capital program of roughly $338 million in projects with approximately $56 million in SBA grants and local funding of nearly $82 million (figures presented as context for the board).

Treasurer Nicole explained election-timing constraints under state code: levies and bonds must now be placed on primary or general election ballots and special elections are no longer permitted. That raises a question for the board whether to request a four- or five-year levy term, and how that choice affects timing for renewal and fall-back opportunities if a May ballot attempt fails. The treasurer said if the board seeks a five-year term the renewal window may fall very close to the existing levy expiration and recommended the board consider whether a four-year term is more practical.

Board members discussed next steps. The superintendent recommended forming a citizen-led excess-levy committee to manage promotion and fundraising; the board and administration explained legal limits on district-paid advertising and staff-driven promotion during campaigns and said an external committee must handle fundraising, materials and outreach. The board asked the administration to provide the levy order and past ballot materials; members asked to receive the treasurer’s presentation slides for distribution and review.

Board members emphasized the levy’s role in teacher pay and student supports and encouraged the public to understand what levy funds pay for. The board agreed to add a standing agenda item tracking levy planning as the May 2026 election approaches.