Community group forms to support Monongalia schools levy; district presents proposed 2026–27 levy rates

Frank Vitale, co‑chair of the district's excess levy committee, told the board the group has formally reconstituted as Community for Monongalia County Schools, a registered West Virginia nonprofit, to support renewal of the district's excess levy. Vitale said the committee held a Feb. 26 kickoff with about 40 attendees, is distributing yard signs and postcards, and is planning community events and a media campaign to explain the levy renewal.

"We are now Community for Monongalia County Schools," Vitale said, summarizing the committee's organizational change and outreach. Board members discussed common voter confusion about the levy and other projects; several said some voters mistakenly describe the levy as a tax rebate tied to recent capital work, and speakers urged the committee to focus its education on the difference between a levy renewal and bonds or one‑time capital projects.

District finance staff presented the proposed schedule of levy rates for fiscal year 2026–27. Nicole Kemper told the board the total assessed valuation is about $7.7 billion and provided class breakouts; she explained regular, excess and bond levy mechanics and noted the district's projected net collections after deductions. Kemper reported the calculated rollback threshold was 19.35 cents and the proposed class one excess levy was 16.75 cents, which is below the rollback amount. Projected bond principal and interest due for the upcoming year are $2,907,896.

After questions, the board voted to approve the schedule of proposed levy rates and recessed the meeting to reconvene April 21 to formally enter the rates by statute. Board members and the committee emphasized continued public education about the renewal rather than presenting it as a new tax increase.