The district's last operating levy was approved in 1996 for 9.8 mills, treasurer Richard Gardner said. The commitment then was not to request another operating levy until 2001. Operating levies pay for daily operations, such as teacher and staff salaries, supplies and other materials. Because of the way Ohio schools are financed, districts have to go back to voters every three or four years, Mr. Gardner said. Operating levies are not to be confused with bond issues.
Bond issues pay for capital expenses such as building projects.
Last week, school officials said bids on the building are coming in lower than anticipated. Still, the bidding process is not over, he cautioned. The money would have to go toward capital improvement projects. District officials worry that residents will confuse the need for an operating levy with the possible windfall from the bond issue. The bond issue money cannot be used to pay operating expenses, Mr. Brannon said.