After narrow loss, Mount Vernon board weighs whether to refile facilities levy this fall or next spring

Mount Vernon City Schools officials said they will solicit staff and community feedback and consider whether to put a revised facilities levy back on the ballot after a narrow defeat.

Superintendent Bill told the board the 1% earned‑income tax proposal fell short by about 105 votes, with 50.94% against and 49.06% for. He said the result means the district must reflect on its outreach and determine whether to pursue the same or an adjusted proposal and whether to place it on the November ballot (a higher‑turnout option) or next May. He emphasized there is a limited window to act because the district is positioned to access roughly $40 million from the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission to support facility projects.

"When you're talking nearly 5,600 votes to be 105 votes shy ... 'Every vote counts' can't be more true than that," Bill said while reviewing the results and next steps. He recommended convening a board work session in June and running a "thought exchange" with staff and community for detailed feedback before deciding on timing and plan adjustments.

Board members said they appreciated the close result and thanked campaign volunteers; several noted the need to clarify building locations and other specifics for voters. The superintendent outlined two scheduling options: November (coinciding with higher‑profile state and federal elections) or the following May. He also said administrative deadlines in August would apply if the board chose the November route.

No new levy was placed on the agenda during the meeting; the board's next step is to discuss strategy in June and gather stakeholder feedback as part of planning.