Xenia schools hope to pass fall levy

XENIA, Ohio (WDTN) - Xenia schools are hoping voters will be on their side this fall. They will ask voters to pass a 3.2 mill levy this November.

The district hasn't received new money for permanent improvements in 22 years.

School officials say their elementary schools are really old and need to be replaced.

"These old buildings really have some issues with roofing, heating and cooling systems, windows, and doors. Just about anything you can imagine in an old building. " Said Dr. Jeff Lewis, Xenia Schools Superintendent.

Monday night, school board members voted to the levy on the November ballot, in hopes to rebuild the 5 crumbling elementary schools.

Lewis says the Ohio legislature and Governor Ted Strickland signed a bill this past summer which allows school districts to segment their building plans, which is why they are focusing on the elementary schools at this time.

Lewis said the district can pass the levy this year, but will be able to defer collection until 2013 when the economy has a chance to turn around.

"This is for the kids of Xenia. And they deserve it. Now, in 15 years from now, in 30 years from now. They need these buildings to serve them in an effective and efficient way."