By CASSANDRA SHOFAR

Staff Writer

MEDINA — Realizing it’s hard enough passing an operating levy with the current economic climate, let alone with only half the board members’ support, the Medina City School Board decided Monday night not to go on the November ballot.

The board looked at several options in the recent months, including a phase-in property tax levy, which would spread the millage out over the course of a few years; however, it was decided the district would wait until next year.

“I think at the March ballot, we heard pretty clear communication that people are not yet ready to fund the district’s operating costs,” said board member Susan Vlcek. “People have also challenged us to think outside the box. There is a lot of outside-the-box thinking that we can do. We have a lot of challenges ahead of us.”

While breaking ground for two new elementary schools — which were funded by sales-tax revenue but need separate funding for operating costs — the school district also needs operating funds.

The elementary schools will be located at the corner of state routes 162 and 3 in Montville Township and on the south side of East Reagan Parkway in the city.

Vlcek, along with board member Rob Wilder, said she believes there isn’t enough time between now and November to thoroughly communicate with residents about the importance of an operating levy.

While they both agree not having new money coming in will hurt the district and some cuts in programs may ensue, the economy’s effects and the disconnect between the community and district carry too much weight in the decision to pass a levy.

“We had a resounding message at the last election,” Wilder said. “I’m finding more and more people can’t support the schools the way they’d like to right now. And even though we have done a lot of cost cutting, I don’t think it’s being perceived that way.”

Board member Bill Grenfell was not present at the board meeting, causing the board to be split, with board member Mark Dolan and board President Tom Ebner in favor of putting the issue on November’s ballot.

Dolan’s main reasoning for putting the levy on the ballot was to open lines of communication with residents by giving them a mechanism to tell the district what they value.

“I want to hear from the voters, hear what they have to say,” he said. “And to have a reason to hear from them. People are more apt to come out and speak to us when they have an issue to talk about. If we don’t put something on the ballot, I think in their minds there won’t be an issue.”

Ebner and Superintendent Randy Stepp added they believe the community should have the opportunity to weigh in and decide they will fund the district’s operating costs or, if not, then discuss what reductions should be made and hear from the community on what they do value.

However, between the economic climate and the split vote, Stepp said the board can’t expect a levy to pass.

“I think there’s a trust issue (with the public) … and a disconnect,” he said. “We have to open up the communication lines.”

Wilder added: “Communication is key. We have to try even harder to hear what (the community’s) message is and have discussions about what we value as a community.”

Shofar may be reached at 330-721-4044 or cshofar@ohio.net.