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Sylvania school leaders ask voters to renew 7.9-mill operating levy on May 5
Summary
District leaders presented survey results and financial context and urged passage of a 7.9-mill continuing operating levy (estimated to yield about $8.2 million annually) on May 5 to sustain day-to-day operations after nearly a decade without asking for new funding.
Doctor Veronica Motley, appearing on behalf of Sylvania schools, presented a district "state of the schools" overview and results from a recent community survey of more than 400 respondents that showed high favorable opinions of the district’s work and staff. Motivating the levy request, Motley said state funding represents about 26% of the district’s general fund while local property taxes account for roughly 69%.
Motley described the levy as a continuing general operating levy of 7.9 mills that she said would yield approximately $8,200,000 per year, and she noted the district has not asked for new operating money in nearly 10 years. "We have a tradition of excellence with a personal touch," she told council as she outlined challenges including state revenue reductions and local enrollment growth.
Greg Feller, president of the school board, reiterated that the district has kept operations on money last refreshed roughly a decade ago and encouraged support. Tara Hay, the levy campaign chair, urged residents to volunteer and described campaign outreach, testimonials and the district’s program offerings. Council members pressed for details on class size and tax impacts; Councilmember Marcus Hansen and others expressed concern for senior residents on fixed incomes and asked about ways to mitigate regressive impacts. Motley and board members encouraged voters to contact state legislators about relief measures and noted tools such as rollback and homestead exemptions may be relevant.
