East Knox schools Superintendent Steve Larcomb addressed the East Knox community this morning in light of last week’s levy failure.
Dear Parents, Students, Staff and East Knox Community,
I wanted to take some time to address last Tuesday’s levy failure and what it means for the foreseeable future while providing factual information as much as possible. First thing, though, is to say thank you to the Our Kids, Our Future levy campaign committee headed up by Mrs. Laurie Gallwitz. The committee comprised of and supported by many facets of this community including, but certainly not limited to parents, grandparents, students, staff members and friends made this the most memorable, positive campaign I’ve ever been fortunate enough to experience. It is absolutely ZERO negative reflection upon the work that was done and falling approximately 108 votes shy of success. The fact is we came to the closest percentage (52-48%) we’ve managed in eight attempts.
It’s human nature to worry about the future of this school district and how it relates to our own personal situations. The best advice I can give is to not stress about that which we cannot control.
What I know as of this date and what I anticipate through May is that nothing has changed for this school year! Our staff will keep our heads up and continue doing the great work that we do day in and day out for our students and this community!
Here’s a couple answers to FAQs that the Administration has been asked and the answers as best we know.
1. When will “the state” be here?
We anticipate our Board of Education will receive a letter from the Auditor of State’s Office (AOS) sometime between the end of this month and this coming June 30th. Upon receipt of that letter, the Board will have 60 days to provide AOS with a recovery plan that addresses how the Board will eliminate the 2014-2015 deficit. We will not be able to provide AOS with an acceptable plan since the levy failed. At that point in time, the AOS will direct the Ohio Department of Education to either place us in Fiscal Watch and give us another 60 days to submit a plan or form a Fiscal Planning and Oversight Commission.
2. What can/will the commission do?
We are told the commission will look at the District’s finances and determine where, in their opinion, further reductions must be made. Then, and only then, will they authorize the District to borrow money to pay expenses once we’ve spent monies we normally receive through tax collections. We will be forced to begin repaying the money loaned to the District the year after it is borrowed. We will then be forced to borrow more money on top of the borrowed money as the deficit continues to grow. The cycle will continue to get worse (think of a Pay Day loan) until our voters realize this will only continue to get worse and it will cost them more money the longer they wait to pass a levy. The commission will dictate to the Board how much money they must ask by way of a levy. We do not
know at this time if they’ll also dictate what type of levy it must be (i.e. property tax, income tax, combination, etc).
3. Will we be forced to merge with Danville or another school district?
East Knox will not/cannot be absorbed/combined/split up with another district(s) without voter approval from the affected districts (i.e. EK voters would have to approve consolidation with Danville AND Danville voters would have to approve consolidation with EK. ODE states it’s not happened anywhere in a fiscal emergency situation). A couple follow up points to the “We’ll just merge with Danville” scenario. Taxpayers pay the higher tax rate of the two districts when consolidation occurs. Do you think EK taxpayers wants to pay Danville’s income tax rate plus their property tax rates? Do you think Danville wants to take on EK’s debts and “no” voters? Just a couple points to ponder.
4. Will the Board go back on the ballot in May?
We have three new Board members taking office as of January. I am thankful for the service of the members leaving the Board (and the two remaining). Their years of service to this community are testament to their care and concern for our students and this school community in its entirety. I am very confident that the new Board members (and the two remaining) will continue the tradition of sound decisions with the information they have available. It will be the Board’s decision when to next go on the ballot until such time that a commission is formed. The commission will then dictate when to go on the ballot, for how much and likely, what type of issue (i.e. property tax, etc).
The Board and Administration will do our best to keep the school community informed as we move down the path towards Fiscal Emergency. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have.
