Schools

Schools Dump New Levy; Will Seek Renewal in the Fall

Board members say voters sent a clear message

School officials, saying voters sent a clear message when they at the polls Tuesday, won't put the issue on the November ballot for another try.

Instead, they will ask voters to renew a 6-mill levy that would not raise taxes.

"I think we need to be realistic about the results Tuesday and the margin of defeat," Superintendent Jeff Lampert said.

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The issue was rejected by about 80 percent of voters.

Meanwhile, "the renewal really is critical to the financial solvency of our district," Lampert said.

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All five board members agreed. 

"It's clear the climate is not good out there for passing a new levy," board member Dave Gusman said.

The 6-mill renewal, which expires at the end of 2012, will be changed somewhat when it appears on the November ballot -- instead of running for five years, .

Board President Jennifer Sinisgalli said the feedback she received this week indicated senior citizens simply can't afford to support a tax hike.

Board members want to put the on the ballot this year so that if if fails, they will have several more chance next year.

"If that doesn't pass," board member David Frazee said, "we're going to be in a lot of trouble."


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