The Board of Education unanimously combined the operating levy and bond levy into one vote to address both immediate operational needs and long-term capital improvements more efficiently. This approach allows the district to address the budget shortfall for day-to-day operations (such as staff salaries, utilities, and educational programs) while also funding necessary facility upgrades and construction projects. Due to the existing debt maturing, no additional millage will be collected for the bond portion. The District is currently collecting 4.0 mills for debt service and will continue to collect 4.0 mills, even with the passage of the bond issue.
By combining them into one vote, the district can streamline the process, avoiding the need to go back to voters multiple times, which can be costly and time-consuming. It also ensures that both needs are met simultaneously, ensuring stability and growth. This is not a new option for school districts in the state. The last Hilliard School levy, eight years ago, was also a combined operating and bond issue.
