Springboro school levy fails

SPRINGBORO, Ohio (WDTN) - The Springboro School levy failed by only 137 votes. 

School Board members said they needed nearly $4 million for the next three years, and the failure now means cutbacks.

"Neighbors for Springboro Schools" is a group of 300 volunteeers that worked hard to try to pass this levy. 

" I think it is such a sign of the economic times. It is out of our control." Volunteer Chris Kershner said.

The school was asking homeowners with a $100,000 house to pay an extra $125 dollars a year in property taxes.  Three failed levies in the past forced the district to put this emergency levy on the ballot .

They already decided earlier this year to close Jonathan Wright Elementary School, at the end of the school year. Other budget cuts include the elimination of high school and daycare bussing, laying off custodians, a principal and a sectretary, eliminating raises for staff, and cutting teachers' supply budgets.

Superintendent Dave Baker said the failure means they will have to eliminate bussing for all students who live within a 2 mile radius, and it also means more layoffs.