Dear Rossford Schools Families,
On Monday night, our Board of Education took the initial steps by voting 5-0 to place a renewal operating levy on the May 6 ballot – with a reduction. This levy, first approved by voters in 2015, has collected 5.9 mills annually. The Board is sending that renewal to voters at a reduction to only collect 4.9 mills annually.
Operating levies are critical for funding our district's staffing, student programming and utility costs. Operating levies differ, and should not be confused with, bond levies. Bonds are used for facility projects. As a reminder, legislative requirements direct how school districts are able to use levy funds.
Our Board of Education remains committed to balancing financial responsibility while providing quality service to our students. In 2022, the Board reduced two other operating renewals taking each of two 7.9 mill levies and reducing each renewal supported by voters to 6.9 mills. Now, by proposing this additional reduction, it is again offering financial relief to taxpayers. The proposed reduction in this renewal will lower taxes while maintaining and expanding program offerings for our students.
Taxpayer Savings: Based on the median home value in Rossford, reducing the levy by 1 mill is estimated to save taxpayers $58.70 annually. Combined with the 2-mill reduction in 2022, this totals an estimated $176 in annual savings to the taxpayer.
In our September letter, we informed families about an enrollment study and the Board’s proactive approach to addressing growing enrollment. As stated in the September letter, the Board is exploring the possibility of building a new school. If built, it would be located on currently owned district property at our Rossford Elementary School campus on State Route 795 and Lime City Road.
Over the past few months, the enrollment study and related financial details have been shared and discussed during Board of Education meetings. While the project is still under discussion, we want to ensure the community that Rossford Schools is in a strong financial position to fund this potential facility without asking the Rossford Schools community to pass an additional bond levy. This opportunity and funding structure is made possible by Enterprise Zone Agreements, such as the Amazon Fulfillment Center. These business tax agreements are not used for operating expenses, but are used for facility costs and maintenance items in an effort to keep these costs off residential taxpayers.
If you would like to review the financial presentation from the January 6 Board of Education workshop, please click here.
We remain committed to transparency and fiscal responsibility while ensuring that our students have the resources they need to assist in their growth and development while preparing them for life beyond graduation.
If you have any questions or would like further clarification, please reach out to our District Offices at 419-666-2010.
Sincerely,
Rossford Schools