As we approach voting day, I write this letter asking Madison School District voters to please consider a yes vote on the income tax levy. Let’s talk about what I hope we can all agree on: we need strong schools and strong communities. And in Madison, these two are synonymous. We are not a city or a village. We are not even one singular township. What makes Madison a community is literally the school district. A strong school district makes for a strong community, and a strong community makes for a strong school district. They are 100% connected.
The Madison School District is under serious financial strain. Numerous cuts and cost saving measures have been implemented to lessen the burden, including eliminating 41.5 positions over the last five years. But even with reductions and cuts, it is simply not enough without new funds. The most recent property tax levy provides $700,000 less per year than anticipated and state funding will be flat over the next two years, leaving Madison in urgent need.
The property tax levy that was previously passed was the first new operating levy since 1997. Madison proved they were good stewards of their resources by not asking voters for new operating money for over 25 years. Imagine how much operating expenses increased in 25 years (diesel/gas alone for bussing) -– and yet, Madison did not ask for more operating dollars. It is now imperative that they ask.
If the income tax levy passes, Madison will stop collecting the 7.5-mill property tax that passed in 2023, which will reduce property taxes levied for the Madison Schools by 18.8% for homeowners in the Madison School District.
Please note: the income tax only taxes earned income – not social security benefits, and not retirement/pensions.
If you live in the Madison School District, please understand they provide an opportunity for a great education at one cost, as you receive two schools for the price of one. Most other school districts have their own school levies plus a separate career center levy. At Madison, you receive the option of Madison Career Tech, without another levy.
As a Madison alum, I remember the years when I attended school and our levies did not pass. It was devastating and could be felt in every corner of the school. Drastic cuts do not help a school district get better or grow – it tears it down instead. And it can take years to rebuild, if at all. Having pay-to-play two sports and reduced extracurricular activities strips students of opportunities that should be part of a well-rounded education. If implemented, actions such as closing Mifflin Elementary cannot be undone.
We are at a fork in the road. To either support the Madison School District and in turn, support our community. Or, if not, become a very different district. Property values do not increase with declining schools. Student opportunities do not increase with declining schools. Communities do not improve with declining schools. Please consider a brighter path for the students of the Madison School District and vote yes on the income tax levy this November.
Kristi Lord
Mansfield, OH