Tecumseh and Southeastern Local Schools had renewal levies, Clark-Shawnee Local Schools had a substitute levy and Mechanicsburg Exempted Village Schools had a permanent improvement levy on the ballot.
Clark-Shawnee Local School District
Clark-Shawnee residents rejected the continuing 12.5-mill substitute levy that would generate $4.7 million for district operations.
According to results, 51.93%, or 1,104, of voters rejected the levy and 48.07%, or 1,022, of voters passed the levy.
The substitute levy combined two existing levies that would have not raised taxes, including an emergency levy first approved in 2012 that generates about $2,463,333 annually and an emergency levy first approved in 2014 that generates about $2,257,998 annually.
The levy would have been used for operating costs for the district, including materials, supplies, salaries, benefits, programs, classes and more.
Superintendent Brian Kuhn said the district was hopeful that the levy would pass.
“The 12.5-mill substitute levy would not have been a tax increase to our community. The proposed levy would have been a substitute for the two emergency levies already in place,” he said. “The Clark-Shawnee Board of Education will regroup and establish a plan to address the emergency levies that are set to expire at the end of 2022 and 2024 and represent approximately 20% of the district’s current financial needs.”
Mechanicsburg Exempted Village School District
Mechanicsburg residents rejected the 3-mill permanent improvement levy that would generate $347,500 annually.
According to early, unofficial results, 72.81%, or 923, of the voters rejected the levy and 27.19%, or 251, of voters were for the levy.
The levy was intended to help finance a new facility — a large, multipurpose field house — and replace the high pitch roofs on the existing school building.
Superintendent Danielle Prohaska said the district will use the results to plan the next steps for facilities.
“In the meantime, the roofing project is one that cannot wait, as protecting our building envelope and preventing further damage is a priority. The building and finance committees will work closely to continue to focus on our academic, athletic and arts programs and funding for the roof repairs,” she said.
Southeastern Local School District
Southeastern residents passed the five-year 3.69-mill renewal levy that will generate $490,000 per year.
According to early, unofficial results, 58.51%, or 423, of voters passed the levy and 41.49%, or 300, rejected the measure.
The levy is to help pay for expenses, including salaries, benefits, curriculum materials, supplies and utilities.
Superintendent David Shea said the district is appreciative of the community and their continued support.
“Without the support of the community, it would be impossible for Southeastern to ‘Strive for Excellence’ with our students and develop lifelong learners that will be prepared for higher education or to enter the workforce. This renewal levy allows us to continue our current educational programming without disruption. This is extremely important so that we can provide a high-quality education for all of our students,” he said.
Tecumseh Local School District
Tecumseh residents passed the five-year 2.13-mill renewal levy that will generate $712,000 per year.
According to early, unofficial results, 64.69%, or 1,643, of voters passed the levy and 35.31%, or 897, of the voters rejected the levy.
The levy will go into the district’s general fund to pay for day-to-day operations such as salaries, benefits, utilities, instructional material and supplies, and academic programs.
Superintendent Paula Crew said they are “greatly appreciated of the continued support” by the community.
“This renewal will continue to generate approximately $712,000 annually for day-to-day operating costs of the district. We will continue to be good stewards of our taxpayers’ money to maximize the use of the district’s funding to support our district’s vision statement of, ‘Learning for All ~ Whatever it Takes!’ ” Crew said.
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