Wood County Schools operating levy renewal approved for election

PARKERSBURG -- The Wood County Commission approved putting a renewal for the current operating levy for Wood County Schools on the November ballot.

In a 2-1 vote, commissioners agreed to put the measure on the ballot for the Nov. 8 general election with Commission President Blair Couch and Jimmy Colombo voting in favor and Commissioner Robert Tebay voting against.

Officials with the school district appeared before the commission about what is in the proposed renewal which would raise over $20.9 million for the district each year over the next five years, if it passes.

"First off, we are not raising anyone's taxes with this levy," Wood County Schools Superintendent Christie Willis said. "It is our continuing levy."

The proposed continuing levy would be 18.36 cents for Class I property, 36.72 cents for Class II property, 73.44 cents for Class III property and 73.44 cents for Class IV property based on each class of property per $100 valuation.

Some of the money within the levy is being shifted to pay for intervention specialists, counselors and nurses which covers $15.5 million. One section will see more money dedicated to school safety and security at all of the elementary, middle and high schools which covers a total of $2.5 million.

Willis said that money was coming from the facilities line item. There are school resource officers in the middle and high schools, but none are in any of the elementary schools. The schools outside the city limits would be where the priority was to place officers, she said. Officials said one challenge is police departments are having trouble hiring new officers.

Also, the levy will help with funding for the planetarium at Parkersburg High School which previously the school handled through its existing funding. The levy will also pay for maintenance items for buildings, equipment, playgrounds and athletic facilities for a total of $968,497 for that line item. Operational supplies, equipment and supplemental services as well as Local School Improvement Council work which all is covered by a line item for $1.3 million.

The final line item covers $638,000 for funds to support WVU Extension Service, Artsbridge, Boys and Girls Club, YMCA, Wood County Libraries and the New Era School and other enrichment programs in the county for the enrichment of students.

"They provide wonderful services to our students, especially after school," Willis said.

If passed, the continuing levy will cover the school years of 2024-2025 to 2028-2029.

Commissioners brought up the two continuing bond issues the school board has.

One passed in 2016 will expire in 2032, Wood County School Board President Justin Raber said. The bond issue passed in May has not had the bonds sold and they are still working through those, he said, adding they would last for 15 years once put in place.

Some of the proposed amendments to the State Constitution being voted on could impact how the levy rates are applied in terms of legislative action and how personal property taxes are dealt with.

Officials included a line in the levy rate's wording where the collected amount is less than the amounts listed, the school board will be able to reduce the amount expected, except for the funding allocated for School Safety and Security. Officials also highlighted their good relationships with local law-enforcement.

Willis said that will remain at the $2.5 million listed.

Raber said security is becoming more and more important.

"It is important to note that our schools are secure," he said. "We have been able to improve security at a number of our schools.

"We need to continue to do that. It is important we have all of our bases covered with security, not only for our secured entrances but through other means as well."

Brett Dunlap can be reached at bdunlap@newsandsentinel.com