By ELLEN KOLMAN - Staff Writer - ekolman@starbeacon.com
JEFFERSON -- Jefferson Area Local School District will have a 3-mill, five-year renewal levy on the May 4 ballot.
“This is a renewal levy, not a new levy, and it will generate $530,000 per year for operating expenses,” said Superintendent Doug Hladek.
“We think it is absolutely necessary to maintain the present level of operation within the district.”
The system is also facing a dilemma of half-day kindergarten verses all-day kindergarten, Hladek said.
“The state of Ohio passed a mandate that schools must offer all-day everyday kindergarten. Right now we offer half-day everyday kindergarten, and to add all-day kindergarten would require the district to find the funds to hire three more kindergarten teachers,” he said.
The district has three kindergarten teachers right now.
“One thing in our favor, because of the new buildings, we have enough space, but we do not know where the extra funds needed will come from,” Hladek said.
The Jefferson Board of Education’s option would be to apply for a waver from the state to continue the half-day kindergarten program.
