Issue 34: Substitute Levy

The term "substitute" here means that the district is replacing an existing levy with a new one. This could happen if it's beneficial to both the community and schools to change the way the levy collects funds.

Both options ensure our current property owners won't experience a tax increase or new taxes. Renewal levies are designed to maintain the funding level that voters initially approved ($1.835 million). This means the money collected through a renewal levy stays the same, no matter if new construction or property value changes happen after the first approval.

In contrast, a substitute levy can add more revenue (money) only from new construction. This ensures that we're receiving an appropriate amount of funding that accurately reflects our local economy, enabling our schools to optimize our revenue (money) while responsibly managing existing taxpayer dollars by choosing this different funding option.

Click here to view how the renewal would have looked.

Based on community feedback from last fall's election (November 2022), there was a lot of confusion about the substitute levy. (The substitute levy option has only been available for about ten years. As of tax year 2022, 65 Ohio school districts have passed substitute levies. It is becoming a more popular alternative because it benefits both exsisting property owners and school districts.)

At Louisville, we typically only have a renewal levy, new money levy, and a bond issue on the ballot. We completely understand voters' uncertainty and feedback.

According to State Law, a district has three opportunities to pass an expiring issue. May 2023 was our second attempt, and the Board wanted to stick with a levy (renewal of the existing emergency levy) the community knew and understood.

After our June Special Board Meeting, where community provided feedback and asked questions, along with investigating the amount of construction and growth expected over the next five years in our community, the Board decided a substitute levy is the most financially responsible choice that will benefit our schools.

Based on community feedback, this November will be a five-year substitute levy.

This November will be the third and final opportunity for us as a district to collect the money generated from this levy, which generates $1.835 million of the district's operating budget. This money is used for

• Extracurriculars
• Field trips
• Staffing
• Transportation