BELLVILLE, Ohio — The Clear Fork levy committee is gearing up to make its case to voters in their school district.
The one percent renewal levy is being sought for the construction of new elementary buildings in Bellville and Butler. January 19 was the third meeting for the committee, which calls itself “Clear Fork Pride.”
This meeting focused on selecting a t-shirt design and updates for its Facebook page. Mindy Sansom and Nicole Blakley who co-chair committee, say they want people to know why they feel the time has come to build new schools.
Members say they believe new buildings will improve education for the future. Their slogan is, “Honor the past. Secure the future.”
The buildings serving the district for kindergarten through fifth grade include the 101-year-old Butler and 121-year-old Bellville structures. District officials say one quarter of the proceeds for the renewal levy would go toward constructing up-to-date elementary buildings that superintendent Janice Wyckoff says are safer and better suited for education.
The rest of the levy proceeds would provide operational expenses of the district.
Voters will decide the fate of the district’s plans in the March primary election. Nearly two decades ago a similar measure was defeated by voters. Carl Gonzalez says the earlier initiative failed because of poor communication between the board and the public.
“There was a lack of transparency then,” Gonzalez said, referring to the purchase of property that irked many voters.
He believes the effort is being handled in an “above-board” manner this time around.
The t-shirt design was created by members to raise money for the printing costs and direct mailing efforts. The t-shirts are expected to be available in about two weeks, Sansom said.
The rest of the committee’s expenses are expected to be provided by donations. Brochures addressing questions and concerns raised by residents are being planned.
Blakely said the opposition includes questions about the current Bellville site and its proximity to the village’s sewer plant. Other concerns relate to what the district will do to property purchased during the last attempt to build new school buildings.
A Facebook page, www.facebook.com/clearforkpride/, is up and running in an effort to gain support for the levy. Sansom said the Facebook site attempts to engage community members while addressing resident’s concerns in a “frequently asked questions” section.
Beyond social media, the committee will take out yard signs and door hangers next month. A voter registration event will be held at a home basketball game on Feb. 2. The group says they hope to enlist support from civic, veteran, and religious groups in the community.
Members of the committee also formed the S.W.A.T (senior worker awareness team) Division, to communicate with senior citizen voters. They are offering transportation for senior voters on Election Day.
Members say they feel the committee meetings have been well attended to date. Sansom said the meetings will be held weekly until the election. Those interested in attending a meeting can find a schedule posted on their facebook page.
