COLUMBUS, Ohio — Columbus City Schools will soon see the effects of the new levy.
The levy will cost taxpayers nearly $270 per $100,000 of taxable property value each year.
Here's a breakdown of the spending provided by the school district:
- $27.5 million for salaries connected to nearly 300 mental health positions funded by pandemic relief funds
- $1.2 million to expand pre-kindergarten programs in six locations
- $19 million to continue existing family and student support services
- $26.8 million for infrastructure improvements; like roofing, HVAC, plumbing and electrical work
- $6.75 million for athletic site improvements
- $23.4 million for renovating learning spaces; like classrooms, auditoriums and cafeterias
Izetta Thomas with the Columbus Education Association said she believes academic performance will improve with the levy being passed.
“Underfunded schools perform the lowest academically. So, when you have a levy that re-invests in our schools and puts the resources directly into the building and classrooms you will see improved academic success,” said Thomas.
Thomas said some of the money will go toward restorative justice practices, which mediation and community building to shift away from a punitive discipline model. That training, she said is essential for staff to better respond to students’ needs.
“Take a look at all the things we bring to the table as people, our students as whole persons, not just the student only there to learn,” said Thomas.
Thomas is excited about the upgrades that are coming to some of the school buildings.
“Our children deserve buildings that are delightful, look good, celebrate them and reflect the greatness they have in them. Instead of walking into dilapidated buildings,” said Thomas.
CCS Superintendent Dr. Angela Chapman said she is grateful to the community for passing the levy and believes student achievement will improve.
“Our highest priority will always be keeping our students at the center of all decisions and improving student outcomes. We know there is more to be done, but we can do it together,” Chapman said.
Now, leaders say the real work begins in improving the district.
“This is the foundation of the incredibly hard work that needs to come. We know we need to make a radical transformation at CCS under the leadership of Dr. Chapman,” said Jennifer Adair, board president of Columbus City Schools.
Throughout the entire process, many people in the community have spoken out against the levy, including Nana Watson, president of the Columbus Branch of the NAACP.
"We've got senior citizens, they will be more burdened as a result of this levy,” said Watson.
She said the levy will be detrimental to taxpayers.
"We want their [the district’s] plan and we are going to demand that they report out to this community where they are in the process in the plan, how much money they spent,” said Watson.
Despite the levy passing, the district is still cutting its budget by $22 million to balance its five-year forecast. This includes a hiring freeze for the rest of this year and scaling back summer programs for kids.
"This is our school district, this is our family's district, this is our community district so no questions will go unanswered, so we are an open book,” said Adair.