Benjamin Logan Local School District’s 1.5 percent income tax levy has failed with the unofficial final result of 1,836 votes, 65.41 percent, cast against the levy.
There were 971 votes, 34.59 percent, for it.
The levy would’ve cost $1.50 for every $100 earned, and would’ve raise some $3.34 million for the purpose of funding current operating expenses for the school district.
Valerie Elliott, Benjamin Logan levy committee member, said she’s disappointed for the impact a potential failure of the levy will have on the school system and its ability to provide programming.
Tod A. Johnson, successful write-in candidate and new board of education member, said he is also disappointed that the public luv and the district “didn’t see the need to support the levy for our children and educational process for our children.”
“We’re going to continue to find a way to financially support the district in order for children to get an education they deserve. I will do my part to make sure that happens .”
Superintendent Dave Harmon said he is thankful to the levy committee for all the their hard work as well as the administration and staff who worked together to help with the campaign.
“I appreciate all they’ve done,” he said.
As for the results, Harmon said, like Elliott and Johnson, he is “greatly disappointed.”
“Our board will meet and discuss what our next direction will be,” he said. “We will be back on the ballot in the spring. Whether that looks different than what it was today, I don’t know. That’ll be a decision they (the board) makes.”
The voters, Harmon continued, spoke loud and clear that they didn’t support this version of the levy.
“I’m most concerned about the students and the staff who will be significantly impacted by this.”
The board must now implement a reduction plan which cuts at least $1 million in costs.
Reductions include cutting technology budgets; eliminating the special education director; reducing the athletic/activities director by 10 contractual days; implementing pay to participate; eliminating gifted services; reducing educational aid supports; eliminating all extended-day contracts; reducing school to four days a week; and reducing supplemental contracts.