Mount Vernon City Schools to put 1-percent earned income tax levy back on November ballot

MOUNT VERNON — The Mount Vernon City Schools Board of Education plans to put a 1% earned income tax levy back on the ballot in the November election.

The levy previously failed in the May 5 election by 115 votes, a margin of 50.94 percent to 49.06 percent.

The levy would generate roughly $6 million annually and $115 million total at the end of the 30-year term, as limited by Ohio law. The Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) has also offered the district $40 million in state support, should the measure pass in November or May, 2027.

“(The OFCC funding) is really Ohio taxpayers’ money coming back to Mount Vernon City Schools,” board member Jeff Ward said.

The levy would fund the district’s Facilities Master Plan, which includes the construction of three new elementary schools and the renovation of Mount Vernon High School.

The district has identified five key priorities as part of the plan: improved school safety, improved operational efficiency, better meeting the needs of diverse learners, support for modern teaching practices and addressing aging and outdated infrastructure.

Mount Vernon schools ask voters to approve 1% earned income tax levy on May ballot

‘Our kids deserve it’

“We need to definitely go back to our voters. Coming that close — that speaks volumes,” Board President Jody Goetzman said.

Board member Margie Bennett said, “The need hasn’t changed … Our kids deserve it.”

One of the primary reasons for the levy is to fund the construction of three new elementary schools.

“Many of the school district’s buildings are between 70- to 122-years-old and require significant repairs or replacement,” according to the district’s website.

Current facilities do not meet modern educational, safety or accessibility standards, the district stated.

The board plans to implement a stronger marketing strategy to gather greater attention to the vote. This potentially includes hearing current teacher and student testimonials.

“It is absolutely vital that we have in-person sessions to the public,” board member Mary Rugola-Dye said.

The plan is to continue answering community questions and be transparent about changes to the levy.

The board scheduled a special meeting June 24 at 10 a.m. to approve the resolution. That meeting is open to the public.