Frequently Asked Questions

On May 5, 2008, the Anthony Wayne Board of Education voted unanimously to place a RENEWAL levy on the August 5th ballot.  They also voted unanimously to place a NEW levy on the ballot.  Please read the following information on the two levies.

What is the history of these levies?

The RENEWAL levy is a five-year emergency levy originally passed in May 2003 for 4.85 mills. It generates $3 million dollars per year for our schools. The NEW levy will also generate $3 million dollars annually. The money generated by these levies is necessary to maintain current educational and extracurricular programs.  Passing both levies in August 2008, along with prudent spending practices, allows the Anthony Wayne Schools to remain solvent through the five-year collection of the levies. 

Why has the original 4.85 mill emergency operating levy been reduced to 3.3 mills?

In 2003, 4.85 mills were necessary to provide $3,000,000 per year.  During the five-year period of the levy collection, the total school district valuation has increased.  Therefore, only 3.3 mills are necessary to provide $3,000,000 per year.

How much will this levy cost the homeowner?

What is effective millage and how does AW compare to surrounding school districts?

Effective millage is the millage that is actually collected by the school district.  When the levy passed in 2003 for 4.85 mills, it generated $3 million annually.  Today, in order to collect $3 million, it requires 3.3 mills. This reflects the increasing valuation of real estate in our district.  Anthony Wayne has the lowest effective millage rate of area schools.
   
    

Is this money going to be used to build a new school?

The money generated from the August 5th levies is to be used for operating expenses. 

Didn’t the school district recently receive a significant settlement from DANA?  What happened to that money?

Money from the Dana abatement settlement amounted to $1,243,000 and was used, as originally planned, to reduce bond debt. Dana money was never intended to be a part of the operating budget.

Won’t the school district receive money from the new mall?

Beginning in 2010, Anthony Wayne will receive approximately $750,000 per year from the Fallen Timbers Mall. These funds were factored into the calculations for the August levy request.

How does Anthony Wayne’s cost per pupil compare to other local districts?

The Anthony Wayne School District has the lowest cost per pupil of all schools in the area. Our cost per pupil is also lower than the state average. Even with the lowest cost per pupil in the area our school district has earned six “excellent” ratings on the Ohio Department of Education school district report card.

What will be the impact on the school operations if both levies pass?

If both levies pass the school board will be able to continue the current school operations.  This would mean that the reading and math intervention tutors would be reinstated for the 2008-2009 school year. School employees will be replaced as necessary.  Educational programs, extra-curricular activities, and day-to-day operations can remain the same.  
What happens to the school operation if only one levy passes?
The school board would continue to take advantage of attrition for personnel reduction. All areas of operation would need to be reviewed and reduced in accordance with available resources.  Continued reductions in personnel would be detrimental and will reduce the quality of services to our students.

What happens if both levies fail in August?

The school board would be required to make budgetary changes before the school year begins. Reduction in Force would be implemented in all personnel areas. Pay to participate would be implemented for extra curricular activities for the 2008-2009 school year. K-6 school buildings would be closed at the conclusion of the school day. Bussing would be reduced where feasible.

How will the Homestead Exemption Act benefit senior citizens?

This benefit allows qualifying homeowners to exempt the first $25,000 of the market value of their home from all local property taxes. For example, a home with a market value of $100,000 would be billed as though it was valued at $75,000.

I don’t have kids in school so what do I gain from voting “yes”?

Voting yes will preserve our community including maintaining property values and safety.  There is a good chance that most people without kids in school have grandchildren that are in a school somewhere.  Hopefully, the people in that district will support those schools financially.  A good school produces a strong work force. People with productive jobs help the local economy and support the schools.  A property tax is spread throughout the community to each individual property, including businesses and industry.