The Kirtland Board of Education voted unanimously at its Jan. 22 meeting to place a new 5.9-mill operating levy to
avoid an operating deficit on the May 8 ballot to
preserve the academic excellence achieved by the Kirtland Local Schools.
The Board and administration have had ongoing discussions regarding the
systemic revenue problem our district faces. During meetings with the
community, Superintendent Bill Wade shared that revenue has remained relatively
flat since the 2012 levy and has actually declined the past two school years.
The district took aggressive measures to reduce costs, including
staffing reductions; shared service agreements for a treasurer, bus mechanic,
food service program, and facilities, custodial and maintenance supervisor; and
increased employee contributions for healthcare benefits. These efforts kept
district spending at half the state and national averages. But it’s not enough.
“Kirtland
Schools have a reputation for academic excellence and fiscal
responsibility. We have worked hard over the past several years to
strengthen our academic standards while at the same time being responsible
stewards of the public money,” Superintendent Wade said. “But the reality is
that we have hit the wall. If we do not address the fiscal reality, we
will have to make decisions that will have an adverse academic impact on our
district.”
“This
is a difficult decision. Yet it’s important for our schools and our
community to keep our schools strong and preserve our schools,” said Board of
Education member Shannon Green. “We have
the best teachers and staff in the area, and our students are getting a
wonderful, high quality education – and we want to maintain that.”
The 5.9-mill operating levy will cost homeowners an additional $17.20
per month per $100,000 in home value.