Lakewood School Levy Gets Some Big Support

The Lakewood School Board gained a big boost of support for the upcoming 3.9-mill school levy on the May 7 ballot.

A few district officials attended the Lakewood City Council meeting on Monday asking for support for Issue 14.

Council obliged, unanimously passing a resolution officially supporting the levy.

“This is an important resolution for us as a community, because this is an important issue for the community,” said council president Brian Powers. “You can’t have a strong city without having strong schools.”

School board member Betsy Shaughnessy said that early polling shows that the community supports the levy.

She was pleased to get the support of city hall.

“This means a great deal because they look at the value that the schools bring to the community,” Shaughnessy said. “This really shows that we are in the same boat.”

“You know where I stand on it,” said Lakewood Mayor Michael Summers, who is also a former school board member and co-chair of the levy campaign.

One by one, council members shared the reasons why they’re supporting the levy.

Council unanimously voted to OK the resolution, but Ward 3 councilman Shawn Juris expressed some trepidation.

“I do still have some concerns over how well we are managing the money that’s coming in,” he said. “Obviously, schools are an important part of a community… I am happy to support (the resolution), but I would like to see more improvement.” 

Lakewood schools treasurer Timothy Penton responded to Juris’ concern.

“On behalf of Superintendent Jeffrey Patterson and myself, we take your charge very seriously,” he said. 

After months of discussion, the board opted to put a traditional, 3.9-mill levy on the May 7 ballot.

If passed, the levy would cost homeowners $10 per month for $100,000 of home value.

The district has made spending cuts in recent years, but has also seen a decrease in property tax collections and in state funding. This is the lowest millage request since the 1970s, according to the district.

For more:

• 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
• Survey Says: Lakewood School Levy Coming