Marysville board votes to put levy on May ballot

MARYSVILLE, Ohio (WCMH) -- In a 3-2 vote Thursday, the Marysville School Board passed a resolution for an emergency levy ballot measure after voters turned down the second attempt to pass a levy in November.  

Marysville Superintendent Diane Allen is nervous but still hoping that the third time is the charm. 

“I'm worried about it every time it goes on the ballot,” Allen said. “I mean, it's certainly a heavy lift to make sure your message gets out. I think one of the most important things that everyone needs to recognize is in the district, we definitely have a revenue issue. Ninety-eight percent of school districts in Ohio operate with more revenue per pupil than Marysville schools.”  

If certified by the Ohio Secretary of State’s office, the levy will appear on the May 2025 ballot. Twice in as many years – May 2023 and November of this year – voters have rejected the district’s attempt at raising funds. 

Some community members voiced their concern about the board continuing to put up this ballot measure despite it not getting enough votes.  

“I myself do not understand why you would not make some kind of a change that would show the public that you have listened to them and that you hear what they are saying,” one Marysville resident, who did not identify themself, said. 

If passed, the levy will cost homeowners about $190 annually per $100,000 of property value.  

Due to the levy failing in November, the district increased pay-to-play fees for extracurricular activities, and 30 staff members could lose their jobs next school year. 

Though the levy resolution passed, it was not a unanimous vote; board member Dick Smith voted yes.   

"As board members speaking for me, I know that I need to feel that whatever issue we put before the voters is going to be the right thing for the school district," board member Dick Smith said. 

Board member Matt Keller said it wasn’t easy for him to go against the ballot measure. 

"About the resolution for tax funding in May, although I voted no, I support our school system in schools," Keller said. 

Allen is hopeful the community will approve the levy because of what is at stake and hopes that message will be made clear. 

“Communication can be challenging and making sure that you're providing ample opportunities to engage with all stakeholders,” she said. “So it’s always a challenge and always a worry, but I think, definitely, our community learned a lot the last time about our ask.”