Twinsburg School Board Cancels May Levy Vote

The Twinsburg Board of Education has canceled a levy vote scheduled for May, citing confusion over the state funding plan.

The board approved the cancellation by 4-1 vote, with Board Member Stephen Shebeck voting to keep the levy on the ballot.

Twinsburg school officials have been considering whether to continue with plans for the 6.9-mill levy since Gov. John Kasich's school funding proposal showed a large increase in state funding for Twinsburg's school district.

Board members said that the confusion and uncertainty surrounding the budget picture makes it perilous to ask voters to vote on a levy until after the state budget is clarified.

Board Member David Andrews said the board will still have "a time or two" to put the levy on the ballot this year once the budget is finalized in June.

Shebeck said he believes the board should stick to its plan and keep the levy on the ballot.

"I think we’re creating confusion," he said. "We voted to put it on the ballot."

Superintendent Kathryn Powers says she understands the board's decision and that board members "do not take this decision lightly."

"They believe this is the best thing for our school district at this time," Powers said.

READ MORE: Superintendent Powers Suggests Board Schedule Levy in August

Still, Powers said she has concerns with rescinding the levy vote, which equals about $4.4 million annually for the district and suggested putting the levy on the ballot in August.

Here's a breakdown of the state funding increases in the governor's proposal:

School board members held a public forum last week to hear from residents their opinions on whether the board should proceed with the levy.

The school board meets at 7 p.m. tonight. Twinsburg Patch will be there to bring you coverage of the vote.

MORE COVERAGE:

• Levy Time Again? School Board Talks Renewal Levy Timing
• Renewal Levy Vote Set For May
• Twinsburg Schools Expected to Get $2.8M Boost in State Funding
• School Board To Decide On Levy With State Funding Uncertainty Looming
• POLL: Should the School Board Still Pursue A Levy?