Important Levy Information
The Current Landscape
The past year has been challenging in Lakota. Residents rejected two school levies in May 2010 and again in November 2010. School parents have seen a reduction in busing services, increase in pay to play and reduced opportunities for students. The district has cut $10.1 million in personnel and programs for this school year and $12 million previously. But, Lakota still faces a cash shortfall of $13.2 million by 2015. Without additional revenue, the district, like any other Ohio district in similar circumstances, can do nothing else but continue to cut expenditures.
The District Took Action
With two levy defeats coupled with a severe reduction in state and federal dollars, the Board of Education responded to the community with a series of financial initiatives:
- Negotiated a 3 year pay freeze for teachers and other staff plus an increase in health care payments, reducing this major part of the budget
- Placed a lower millage on the ballot compared to the two previous levies
- Established a committee to review pay for performance for teachers
- Renegotiated service contracts such as trash, busing and banking, to maximize cost savings
- Eliminated over 80 teaching positions
- Instituted a policy to cap annual expenditure growth
An Excellent Rated District
Most Lakota residents agree that the district has established a strong and rigorous program for its 18,435 students - and has received recognition for it. Lakota just became an "excellent rated" district for the 10th year in a row!
New Leadership...New Direction
New leadership has come to the district with the appointment of Dr. Karen Mantia, an experienced and highly successful Superintendent. Dr. Mantia brings a proven record of academic success, in-depth knowledge of finance and business operations and the reputation of building strong community support from all sectors. She is joined by a new Treasurer/CFO and a new HR Director.
Tell Me About the Schools
Whether it is a major corporation considering relocation or a prospective homeowner looking for a wonderful community, the one question that most likely will be asked is "Tell me about the schools." Since the Lakota name was created in the 1960s, the community has worked very hard to build a strong, high performing and thriving school district. We can also be very proud of the achievement of our community's children. Lakota Schools have a stellar reputation in southwest Ohio and residents are very proud of this fact. Now we face an election where the outcome will either maintain or weaken the reputation of both our community and our schools.
YOUR CHOICE...
Move FORWARD or Move BACKWARD
When voting on this November's levy, it will be more than a "For or Against" mark on the ballot.
The real question is
"do we as a community want to move forward or take another step backward?"
It is our community. It is our school district. It is our vote.
The Issue:
- Levy Amount: 4.75 mills
- Type of Levy: Operating ~ Supports the general operations of the District including maintenance and general upkeep of 22 school buildings
- Last levy passed by voters: November 2005 (5.6 mills)
- Cost to Property Owner: based on $100,000 of assessed valuation: $145.47 per year or $12.12 per month.
- Election Day: November 8th
- Early voting begins: October 4th
Click here for more financial information about Lakota.
