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CALHOUN SCHOOL'S $3.5 MIL 5-YEAR OPERATING LEVY FAILS - More Cut-Backs On Table |
| (11/06/2014) |
| A $3.5 million 5-year operating levy failed to pass in Tuesday's General Election. Voting for the levy 685, against the levy 1,088. In the May Primary, the levy narrowly failed, voting against the levy 845, for the levy 727. The levy likely increased the voter turn-out with 31.7% of Calhoun voters casting their ballots. Calhoun is among about a dozen WV counties that does not have an operating levy, the county finances suffering from a decreased student enrollment and a decrease in per pupil funding from the state. Since the May Primary, a contentious court battle related to the expulsion of eight students raised the ire of some residents, with the school system maintaining that the entering of Calhoun Middle-High School and Arnoldsburg School during non-school hours was an illegal act for which expulsion should be considered. The students were not expelled, but some were sent to magistrate court on charges. A few weeks ago it was learned that the county school deficit had increased from $800,000 to $1,800,000, with Superintendent Tim Woodward indicating that school board members were not aware of the severity of the financial problems. Woodward pleaded with the public to overlook their anger regarding problems he said happened under a previous administration, and think about doing what was best for students. Woodward said if the levy does not pass, the board will have to make even tougher decisions, indicating everything is on the table related to cutbacks. Levy money would have supported projects and services for continuing operation of the school system at the current levels. One of several cut-backs considered by the Calhoun school system related to a $1.8 million dollar deficit was charging for the use of school facilities. That proposal caused a stir from outside sports groups that use school gyms and grounds, and the policy change was put on hold until after the election. Historically, the county school system has opened its doors for the use of school facilities, absorbing the costs.
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