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Wooster board asks administration to prepare levy plan for new K–5 elementary school
Summary
The Wooster City Schools board voted unanimously to ask administration and counsel to prepare a resolution for the April agenda that would place a levy on the November 2026 ballot to fund construction of a K–5 elementary school; a public work session was scheduled for April 8 to develop details.
The Wooster City Schools Board of Education on March 17 directed the superintendent and treasurer to work with legal counsel and stakeholders to prepare a levy resolution for the board to consider April 21 that, if approved later, would place a measure on the November 2026 ballot to finance construction of a K–5 elementary school.
Superintendent Mr. Tutor told trustees the action does not put a levy on the ballot by itself but signals the district will develop detailed options for voters, including tax type (property, income or a mix), site selection and contingency plans. "Status quo will not work," he said, arguing the district faces deficit spending and mounting maintenance needs at aging buildings such as Cornerstone.
The motion passed unanimously after trustees discussed the need for a robust public information effort and for staff to present alternatives if voters reject a levy. Board members repeatedly asked for clarity on what a "Plan B" would look like and emphasized voters would want to know that before deciding at the ballot.
To build that record, the board scheduled a public work session for Wednesday, April 8 at 5:00 p.m. Administration said it will present modular configurations, site options and preliminary cost estimates ahead of any formal ballot resolution. The resolution the board directed staff to prepare is expected to be brought back for formal action at the April 21 meeting.
Public comment at the meeting captured the divide in community views. Elsa Bowen, speaking during public participation, urged the board to provide "safe and excellent schools" and said "we need a new elementary school building." By contrast, Dennis Staer, identified at the meeting as a local resident, urged the board against pursuing a tax levy, saying similar levies had been rejected by voters and that "nearly 80% of property taxes paid by Wooster residents go to Wooster City Schools," warning of additional burdens on homeowners.
What happens next: work-session materials and site/cost options are to be posted publicly prior to the April 8 session; the board will consider a formal resolution or other action at its April 21 regular meeting.
