Board begins initiative on Issue 64; passes resolution on technology

Business Manager Derek Cluse discusses the permanent improvement fund at the Hudson Board of Education meeting Monday night. (M.A. Ferguson-Rich/Ohio.com)

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The Board of Education has focused its efforts on getting Issue 64, a renewal of the permanent improvement fund levy, passed this November

Derek Cluse, business manager for the district, outlined the history of the permanent improvement fund, which began with an initial levy back in 1963.

The current request is for 1.5 mills for five years.  It will generate approximately $1.3 million per year, and the funds must be used for "any property, asset or improvement with an estimated life of 5 years or more," according to Ohio law.

Cluse says that Hudson uses the PIF funds in five areas: shelter, efficient operation, safety/security, essential services, and technology/learning environment.

Beacause the levy is a renewal, rather than a replacement, there is no increase in taxes, Superintendent Steven Farnsworth said.

Cluse outlined how the approximately $6 million generated from the last levy was used.

The highest expenditure was $2 million for technology upgrades, and the furnishings, interiors and lighting in the classroom.

Items such as roofing, walls and floors used $1.5 million, and safety/security accounted for $1.2 million.

If the levy is renewed, Cluse says the biggest expenditure planned from 2013 through 2017, is a nearly $2 million investment in the area of shelter.  This includes roofing, floors, windows and exterior walls. 

Technology and the learning environment will use $1.5 million, and essential services such as buses, maintenance and kitchen equipment will cost around $1.4 million.

The board also passed a resolution at the meeting, continuing its commitment to technological advance and improvement.

In each of the five years following the renewal, the board has authorized that a minimum of $278,000 be allotted for educational technology.

Farnsworth said that he thought it "a good commitment to make."

Board member Patricia Engelman lauded the efforts of local citizens who have formed a committee in support of the levy.

Cluse said that anyone interested in a more detailed analysis of how the PIF funds will be allocated, may find further information on the district website later this week.