Schools

Avon, Avon Lake Voters Will See JVS Levy on Tuesday's Primary Ballot

Levy attempt in November failed

Avon and Avon Lake voters will see a renewal operating expense levy on the March Primary Ballot.

The Lorain County JVS Board of Education recently voted to place a smaller, five-year school levy for operating expenses on the March 6, 2012 ballot after the November 2011 levy failed.

This levy is a renewal of three-quarters of one mill (0.75 mill) and an increase of one-half of one mill (0.50 mill). The current JVS 0.75 mill-operating levy, which accounted for 23 percent of the school’s operating budge, expired in December of 2011.

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The March levy will be smaller than the levy that was

A levy placed on the Nov. 8, 2011 ballot was defeated 43,367 against and 34,186 in favor. That levy was a replacement of the school’s current 0.75-mill levy with an additional 1-mill levy. That levy, had it passed, would have added an additional $2.82 of taxes per $100,000 home valuation.

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The JVS includes numerous students from and and 11 other school districts in Lorain County.

If passed, the new levy would result in an increase of $1.29 per month on a $100,000 home.

“We’ve reduced the amount by taking new construction and program expansion off the table,” Superintendent John Nolan said. “We must protect the current technical programs we offer high school and adult learners in Lorain County and continue to train a qualified workforce needed by Lorain County employers.”

Nolan said all public school districts are facing state cuts, and the amount of reduction levied by the state will be approximately $1.1 million for the JVS.

“With state cuts and the rising cost of doing business, we need a small increase to maintain the quality of our programs which give students the opportunity to develop the high-tech skills needed to be competitive in today’s workplace,” he said.

“The JVS hasn’t been immune to the recession; we’ve made budget adjustments and responsible cuts and are currently operating at a 2009 spending level. Even with the successful passage of the levy in March, we will continue to streamline the budget and hold the line on spending.”


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