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Jefferson Local voters to decide on levy in May
(by Linda Dillman, staff writer - February 10, 2010)
Jefferson Local School District voters have the opportunity this May to continue a long-standing tradition - approval of a 25-year-old emergency operating levy.
"This levy is a renewal of a 9.5-mill emergency levy that we've had for a quarter of a century in this community," said Superintendent William Mullett the Feb. 8 Jefferson Local Board of Education meeting. "This is critical. We cannot exist without it. The (original) 9.5 mills was rolled back as reappraisals happen. It is now collected at 8.5 mills. This is a renewal of the 8.5 mills, with one new mill."
The present five-year levy expires at the end of the year and generates $1.3 million for the school district. If approved by voters, returning to the original 9.5 mill amount would add $152,878 to the general fund in 2011.
Other school news
•High school Principal Dave Metz reported on a math early placement test administered to sophomores and juniors in January. Students were rated on college placement levels in algebra, geometry, and pre-calculus.
"This test gives a breakdown on how they did in math and how they might score on the ACT," Metz said, adding the evaluation is also a tool instructors can use in determining classroom progress.
"It's a very good tool for students. One hundred and forty three students were tested in January right after the Christmas break. This will be an annual test for us and they'll be able to take it online next year. If a student scores low at this point, it gives us a great tool to push the student. It can indicate to parents if their child is on the right path or if they need to step it up."
Mullett said the early placement exam is an outgrowth of work in 2009 on a district-wide continuous improvement plan.
•The board members accepted a pair of $4,000 donations from the Target Corporation donated to Jefferson Local through a grant program. The middle school was on the receiving end of $4,000 to purchase books for literacy libraries in language arts classrooms and the high school is using their grant in support of senior service projects. United Waste Water donated $200 for supplies and Hopkins Printing gave 200 sheets of heavy duty poster board to the middle school for sale in the school store. The high school and middle schools were also recipients of science lab supplies from Battelle.
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