Bellbrook-Sugarcreek, Ohio levy passes after three rejections since 2019

OHIO -- This past Tuesday, May 4, the Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Schools levy passed after three previous failures.

Precincts reported that 53% of people voted "yes" and 47% voted "no."

The Bellbrook Middle School e-sign thanking voters for passing the levy this week.
 Photo taken by Kalliope Bessler, author of this article. 

The emergency operating levy is for $4.9 million and will raise about $3.3 million per year, for the next seven years. The tax rate of this levy is considerably less than the tax rate for the last three proposed levies. 

This levy brings back two librarian positions, 31 supplemental positions, and the K-5 STEM program. 

Kalliope Bessler · Bellbrook-Sugarcreek levy passes after 3 rejections since 2019

An interview with Bellbrook High School Principal Dave Hann about the challenges and wins in the fight for a levy passage. 

"What's going to come out of it is the funds needed to keep classes going for special needs [students], STEM, and things of that nature. A lot of services were stripped away the past six or seven years because the levies have failed in the past," said Ronny DeLusme, a local Bellbrook parent. 

DeLusme also said that he thinks the Bellbrook-Sugarcreek School Board knows now that parents and citizens expect more transparency about how funds are being used. 

Why the levy has failed previously 

Both DeLusme and Hann cited financial concerns of Bellbrook citizens as a possible reason why the levies have failed in previous years. 

"Some people can't afford it. A lot of people in the area are on a fixed income or are retired, things of that nature. So, a $250-$350 boost in their taxes could make a difference," Delousme said. 

Another likely contributor to the past failures has been the "vote no" campaign against the levy backed by local businessman John Stafford, CEO of Stafford Jewelers. A main argument of this campaign has been that the adults over 65 in the area cannot afford tax increases. 

"I think it took people aback a little bit, how the opposition managed itself and campaigned against the levy," said Principal Hann. 

Community support & solidarity

Many community members have also rallied around the school system in support of school staff and the levy. Groups like the Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Parent Teacher Organization, Citizens for Sugarcreek Schools, and the Sugarcreek Education Association have all been outspoken supporters of this year's levy, as well as past levies. 

A mailer paid for by Citizens for Sugarcreek Schools and the Sugarcreek Education Association
 refuting claims made by an anti-levy group in a previous mailer sent to Bellbrook-Sugarcreek residents. 
Photo taken by Kalliope Bessler, author of this article. 

DeLusme said he supported the levy to show solidarity to the Bellbrook teachers that are affected by the levy and to strengthen the community. 

"There are other school systems around us that have never had an issue with passing a levy," DeLusme said. 

The surrounding cities of Kettering and Centerville have both passed levies since 2018. 

District Superintendent Doug Cozad told local news outlets that he does not expect that the district will need to make more cuts or propose another levy in the next few years.