Frequently asked Questions

Q.  Why do we need a Permanent Improvement Levy?

A.  A Permanent Improvement Levy is needed to address maintenance issues in our aging buildings and to provide funds to replace buses in our aging bus fleet. The district also needs to pass a PI levy to meet one of the criteria necessary for the district to receive Ohio School Facilities Commission (OSFC) money for a possible future building project.

Q.  What are the issues that need addressed?

A. We have needs across the district that range from repaving driveways and parking lots, replacement of cracked floor tiles in classrooms and hallways, replacing of worn and damaged carpeting, roofing repairs, lighting and security measures, playground repairs and gravel replacement, new legislation for bleacher safety issues, sewage treatment plant issues, just to name a few. PI funds will also be used to perform Radon Testing that is required by the new Jarod's Law as well as to address any concerns generated by the Clark County Health Department as they implement the provisions of Jarod's Law.  Permanent Improvement money may also be used to purchase new textbooks and replace aging student computers.

Q.  What happens if the levy does not pass?

A.  If the levy does not pass the district will be forced to make some difficult decisions.  Many preventative maintenance items will not be able to be completed which will only allow for our aging facilities to deteriorate further and result in more costly repairs in the future.  Repairs will only be able to be made on things that may put the health and safety of our children and staff in jeopardy.  Any of these emergency repairs will need to be paid for from money from the General Fund.  The Board will have to continue to place the issue back on the ballot as the funds are needed to maintain the district facilities.  Northeastern will not be able to receive OSFC funding for an OSFC project until a Continuous Improvement Levy is passed.   Placing the issue on the ballot is an additional cost to the district each time it is necessary to do so.

Q.  What is the Levy Funding going for?

A.  As stated previously, the majority of the funding will go towards the continued maintenance and upkeep of the district's facilities and grounds.  Some money however may be allocated towards the purchase of new textbooks, computers, band instruments and busses.  Legally proceeds from a Continuous Improvement Levy may be used for anything that has a life expectancy of at least 5 years.

Q.  The school district's budget for improvements is what portion of the district budget?

A.   This is a difficult question to answer depending on what is really being asked.  A 1 mill Permanent Improvement Levy as certified by the Clark County Auditor's Office would generate $471,028 per year.  This would be placed in a separate fund from our general operating money.  If the $471,028 were to be expressed as a percent of the general operating fund, it would be 1.65%.

Another approach is if we only look at the portion of the general operating fund that is spent on professional services / repairs / maintenance work & supplies / materials / equipment. similar to expenditures that would be made from a Permanent Improvement funds.  Then, the $471,028 would be approximately 12/7% of those types of funds which are budgeted.

Q.  How old are the buildings?

Q.  Can the younger kids and older kids combine busing?  Buses seem empty around 7:00 A.M.

A.  We currently run dual bus routes for our students.  Our elementary students are on the first run in the morning and the middle school and high students are on the second run.  We do not have enough room for all students (K-12) to ride at the same time.  Also, some parents have voiced concerns about their elementary child (and sometimes middle school child) riding on the same bus with high school students.  A bus may appear empty if it is just beginning it's route in the AM or just completing it's route in the PM.  There must be a first student on the bus and a last student off the bus, so depending upon where you may "spot" the bus will determine how full or empty the bus is.  When dropping off students at the school in the morning or picking them up at the school in the afternoon, the majority of our buses are full, sometimes with as many as three to a seat.