Latest news: SWCS says yes to August issue

(by Andrea Cordle, Southwest Editor - May 15, 2009)

At a May 14 special meeting, the South-Western City School District Board of Education said no to pay to participate and yes to an August issue.

Earlier in the week, the district held a community meeting to discuss the next step after the May 5 levy failure. Over 3,000 people attended. Those in attendance were asked to fill out a questionnaire. Sandy Nekoloff, director of communications for the district, said over 700 people filled out the survey. Of those surveyed, 79 percent said they wanted to see the district back on the ballot in August.

The August issue

"I believe we have to be on the ballot in August," said Board President Cathy Johnson.

Voters will see the same issue in the summer. It will be a four-year 8.3-mill operating levy. It would cost the owner of a $100,000 home $22 per month or $264 a year.

Since the May levy failed, district leaders said they will have to make $8 million in cuts for the next school year. This includes cutting 60 positions, closing Harrisburg Elementary and the Kingston School and eliminating all athletics and extracurricular activities. In addition, high school busing will be cut and walk zones will be expanded for other grade levels. The school buildings will shut down after the school day.

Superintendent Dr. Bill Wise said if voters approve an August issue, some of the cuts would be reinstated.

"A lot of things will not look the same in the fall," said Wise.

He explained as of June 5, the district facilities will close as they move forward with the reductions. This would impact practice time for fall sports. Wise said representatives from the OCC were at the May 11 community meeting.

"We are hoping for a league contingency schedule," said Wise, "but that does not include non-league opponents."

According to the Franklin County Board of Elections, it will cost the district $85,000 to be part of the Aug. 4 special election. At the special meeting, the board unanimously voted in favor of an August issue. They will need to approve a final resolution and file with the board of elections by May 21. The board is expected to vote again at its meeting on May 18, scheduled at 7 p.m. at the District Service Center.

"We are going to fight to make this happen," said Mindy Garverick, board member.

Pay to participate

According to the survey results, residents had mixed feelings about a pay to participate option. Some feel it is not fair to all students while others say if the district is going to cut activities, give parents options.

Johnson spoke on behalf of the board and said they will not institute a pay to participate option.

"It is our job as board members to give each student a chance to achieve," said Johnson.

She said each student should have equal opportunity, not just the students with money.

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