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Ellen Belcher is the Dayton Daily News opinion pages editor. She writes about state government, education, the environment, higher education and all things Dayton.
Martin Gottlieb is an editorial writer and columnist for the Dayton Daily News opinion pages. He focuses on the political process itself and does such national issues as war, the economy, taxes and Social Security, as well as a hodge-podge of local and state issues.
Scott Elliott is an editorial writer and columnist for the Dayton Daily News opinion pages. He writes about education, city and suburban issues, politics, business, workforce and consumer issues.Home > Blogs > A Matter of Opinion > Archives > 2010 > September > 24 > Entry
Editorial: Beavercreek schools have earned renewal levy
Beavercreek schools are on the ballot for a renewal levy that won’t raise taxes. Because the district has more than kept its pledge from 2003 not to ask for new operating money for at least four years, it deserves a “yes” vote.
In fact, even if a levy comes next year, as school officials say is likely, that will mean the district has not asked for new operating money in eight years, twice as long as promised. Most districts seek new money every three to five years.
Beavercreek has managed to stay off the ballot in part because it’s fortunate to be a district with both commercial and residential growth. By adding new taxpayers — both businesses and homeowners — that reduces the amount everyone has to pay.
The flip side of that coin is that the district loses out on state aid because it’s considered wealthy under the school-funding formula. School officials say the district has not had an increase in the amount of aid it gets from the state in at least two decades.
As dependent as Beavercreek is on local taxpayers, homeowners pay less than those in comparable suburban districts like Oakwood, Kettering, Springboro, Northmont, Centerville, West Carrollton and Huber Heights.
Beavercreek has been responsible in the way it has managed its own growth. Enrollment has boomed, up by 1,250 kids in the last decade. That adds costs for more teachers, classroom space and services for kids. Two new schools under construction will help but not completely relieve student overcrowding. Still, district spending for operations has not grown at the same rate as enrollment.
The 11 mills on the ballot this time actually is a combination of two levies — passed in 2001 and 2003. Merging them together reduces the number of levies voters face. All told, the levy represents about $18.5 million in annual revenue for the school district, or about 27 percent of its operating money. Most of that money goes toward instruction.
Beavercreek students are among the best in the area on state tests. This year, the district ranked 15th best out of 79 districts in the nine counties that surround Dayton. The state rated Beavercreek “excellent.”
District residents are getting excellent performance at a reasonable cost. They should renew the levy.
Permalink | Comments (16) | Post your comment | Categories: 2010 endorsements, Editorials, Education, Scott Elliott, Suburban Communities
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By Tom
September 24, 2010 8:14 AM | Link to this
I have one question that I ask sincerely. Has the DDN had an editorial in recent years opposing a school levy? I can’t remember any.
By Tom
September 24, 2010 8:14 AM | Link to this
I have one question that I ask sincerely. Has the DDN had an editorial in recent years opposing a school levy? I can’t remember any.
By DMK
September 24, 2010 8:56 AM | Link to this
PFFFFT. I dont trust those lying fools in the BOE. Like the article said, most likely they will be asking for a NEW levy next year. Everyone should have seen that one coming like a runaway train when they had that bond issue rammed down their throats 2 years ago after 3 tries. Way to go Beavercreek voters.
By null
September 24, 2010 8:57 AM | Link to this
no tom, of course not, the DDN would not oppose a levy. However, I do, as a resident we pay too much for these “excellent” schools. How about reducing the tax and doing without some of the frills? i.e. I question busing high school students. I attended one of the best districts in the country, plenty of money, but they did not spend it on busing h.s. kids. They either drive or get dropped off. It seems like a minor thing, but is it worth sending a bus out for 8 students when they could car pool? They aren’t asking for additional mills because they know they won’t get it
By ouch
September 24, 2010 9:45 AM | Link to this
They’ll get it one way or another, either through levies or fees. School fees, extracurricular activities and required supplies list are incredibly expensive.
By Tom 2
September 24, 2010 9:56 AM | Link to this
I live in Beavercreek Twp and it seems to me there is always a school levy being voted on. My property taxes just keep going up. If we don’t pass the levys, then the country reappraises our houses to take more taxes from us. It is a never ending cycle. There needs to be a ceiling on the taxes. To say Beavercreek pays les property tax is total BS.
By 14 year resident
September 24, 2010 12:25 PM | Link to this
Those of us who have children in Beavercreek schools should consider ourselves lucky. More then ever before a good eduction opens up the future for our children who will be living and working in a technology based economy. Good schools also significantly help our property values. Some of us look at life and see the donut, others of us look at life and see the hole!
By Looking for Superman
September 24, 2010 6:40 PM | Link to this
DMK - do you know any of those “lying fools in the BOE” - - you sound like a “ready, fire, aim” sort of person.
By Dani
September 24, 2010 7:00 PM | Link to this
The Creek BOE has done miracles with our taxes! They are not “lying fools” and you anti everything bloggers ought to stick your neck out for what they get. They have been telling the community a new levy will be needed next year. Go on, run for office! See how you could do it better. Right. Never happen.
By Dani
September 24, 2010 7:04 PM | Link to this
The Creek BOE has done miracles with our taxes! They are not “lying fools” and you anti everything bloggers ought to stick your neck out for what they get. They have been telling the community a new levy will be needed next year. Go on, run for office! See how you could do it better. Right. Never happen.
By richg
September 24, 2010 7:33 PM | Link to this
The only way to protect your childrens future is to lower taxes. Bottom Line. Eliminate Sports, schools should focus on education.
By Looking for Superman
September 25, 2010 10:59 AM | Link to this
for richg….eliminate sports? colleges want well rounded, multi-dimensional students, employers want young people who know what team work, loyalty, and leadership means. A good education is much more than what one will find in a classroom.
By Foolish Minions
September 27, 2010 10:14 AM | Link to this
Oh you foolish minions who swallow all the garbage thrown at you by the board hook line and sinker. 65% of property taxes goes to the schools. We were told that if we didnt vote the bond issue in right away it would cost us big $ the more we waited. Now nearly 2 1/2 years later after screwing up the build we finally broke ground. What a joke we have in the elected people we constantly re elect the Peg Arnolds to the board.
By seaton
October 9, 2010 7:53 PM | Link to this
to reference that west carrolton pays comparable property taxes as beavercreek twp is laughable.
By seaton
October 9, 2010 7:56 PM | Link to this
to reference that west carrolton pays comparable property taxes as beavercreek twp is laughable.
By seaton
October 9, 2010 7:56 PM | Link to this
to reference that west carrolton pays comparable property taxes as beavercreek twp is laughable.