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Frequently Asked Questions by Community Members
The following questions were asked by community members in regard to the Highland Schools Levy. The Highland Pride Levy Committee felt it important to add these questions to the web site and provide answers and information regarding each question. Thank you!
How do Highland’s property taxes compare to other surrounding communities?
How has the District been able to manage its finances so well over the past 10 years?
Even though our student population has increased by 30% over the past 10 years, our finances have remained stable the past 11 years by receiving additional tax revenue due to new construction, developing our investment portfolio to obtain the highest return on our investments, and full utilization of staff positions to meet the needs of our students.
How do the district's staff salaries compare to surrounding/similar districts?
FY 2010 Base Salary:
Black River: $33,269
Brunswick: $34,678
Buckeye: $31,984
Cloverleaf: $34,892
Career Center: $36,093
Medina City: $38,201
Wadsworth: $36,962
Revere: $37,583
Highland: $35,991
How do Highland’s teacher salaries compare to state averages?
Highland: $54,990
State: $54,210
Similar Districts: $56,468
What factors have contributed to the $15 million deficit the district is projecting by the end of 2013 school year? (New buildings, increased fuel costs, ?)
Highland has experienced an extraordinarily high increase in student enrollment over the past 10 years. We have enrolled over 1,000 new students, opened a new high school, and added a third elementary school during that same time period. In addition, Ohio’s phase-out of a business tax known as Tangible Personal Property Tax, the deregulation of the electric and natural gas industries, reduced state funding, and declining investment earnings have all contributed to reduced revenue for our school district.
What kinds of specific cuts would have to be made if the levy does not pass again?
Schools are prohibited by law to operate at a deficit. Cost reductions would be required in 2010-2011 to achieve a balanced budget. The district would need to eliminate a significant number of teaching, administrative, and support staff positions and would be forced to make overall reductions in curriculum offerings, programs, and services across all levels.
What would you say to a reader who is concerned about voting for a levy during these tough economic times?
Our Board of Education realizes that we are facing a turbulent economy and they considered all alternative solutions prior to making their final decision to place this issue on the ballot. However, the last new operating levy in this district was approved in 1998. Passage of a new levy is critical if we are to continue to offer the type of education that our communities have come to expect.
What kind of feedback have you received from the community thus far? Have many people approached you with questions or concerns?
Obviously with the current economic times, residents have expressed their concern about increased school taxes. But at the same time, most recognize the need and understand that the district has worked diligently to provide the highest quality education, at an extremely reasonable cost to taxpayers.
What do you want readers to know about this levy?
It is critical that this levy pass in August. It has been 11 years since the last new operating levy was approved by Highland voters. We have been fiscally responsible with taxpayer money. In fact, Highland has the lowest per pupil costs in the county at $8,523, the highest administrator to student ratio at 212 to 1 vs. 184 to 1 for comparable districts, and among the lowest property taxes for surrounding areas. The Highland Local School District continues to provide an excellent educational value to its students at an extremely reasonable cost for residents.
Can you give a brief statement about the importance of good schools and how a levy helps ensure the success of students/families/the community?
Every Highland resident has a stake in the quality of our school system. An investment in our schools is an investment in our communities. Strong schools continue to draw families to Highland. Quality schools positively affect the overall quality of life in our communities.
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