Lebanon City Schools face cuts to transportation, staffing if levy doesn't pass

LEBANON, Ohio (WKRC) - Lebanon City Schools face cuts in transportation and staffing if the district's levy does not pass Tuesday.
A similar levy failed last May, but the school is optimistic about voter turnout. Lebanon City Schools have not passed a levy since 2011.
Superintendent Todd Yohey says the district has a $5-million deficit and needs voter support.
“That levy was projected to last five years. We have done a very good job of managing those funds and stretched it an additional three years,” said Yohey.
The additional tax levy on the ballot would last four years. It will raise money to maintain the district's more than 5,000 students in five school buildings.
“On a $200,000 house, it's about $1 a day. So about $30 a month,” Yohey said.
...Or $360 a year.
"Vote Yes On Issue 7" signs can be seen in yards throughout town, but there is an organized group staking alternative signs, asking voters to reject the levy.
A woman on a fixed income says the district is asking for too much money.
“Some of this stuff -- it's to make things fancier, things we don't need to educate our children. I am all for the education of our children,” she said.
The district says if the levy does not pass, it would cut all transportation for high school kids. Younger students who live within two miles of their school will not have busing either.
Parents like Derek Brown worry about the possibility of cutting 60 staff members.
“All of this leads to larger class sizes, less opportunities for the students and just bad all around,” said Brown.
Brown's kids play sports. He says pay-to-play prices could rise up to $700 or $800.
The tax levy would raise $16 million over the next four years.