Issue 14: Lakewood Schools 3.9-Mill Operating Levy

The past few years haven’t been financially easy for the Lakewood City Schools.

The district is asking residents to approve a 3.9-mill operating levy to help offset some of the cuts made by the state.

The operating levy would cost owners of a $100,000 home $10 per month. Operating levies are used to pay for regular expenses, like salaries and classroom materials, in the school district.

The levy is expected to generate about $3.33 million each year for the Lakewood City Schools if passed. The levy would bring in less money the first year, since it would only be in effect for half the year.

Collections would not begin until 2014.

District officials have said that the 6.9-mill levy passed in 2009 has been “wiped out” by cuts made by the state.

Last year, Superintendent Jeffrey Patterson hosted a series of public community meetings around the city where residents voiced their opinions on programs and services that shouldn’t be cut — including arts, technology, music and sports.

“The purpose of the meetings was to inform Lakewood citizens that our district had experienced a loss in state revenue — approximately 6 million since 2010. We also asked people for their input on making budget reductions. 

Based on community feedback, many programs were spared during the 2012 round of $4 million in cuts.

Patterson said as long as the state cuts remain, the district will need operating money.

“Since 2010, we have cut 84 positions in our district, all staff have experienced base salary freezes and have agreed to pay more for their insurance benefits,” Patterson said. “If a levy does not pass, we will have to take a look at making further reductions that most certainly will include some academic areas that our community values the most.” 

For more:

• 3.9-Mill Schools Levy Will Be Part of the May Ballot
• 3.9-Mill Levy Takes Another Step Toward the Ballot
• 3.9-Mill Levy May be Headed to the Ballot in May
• Five-Year Financial Forecast is ‘Challenging’ for Lakewood Schools