HINTON, W.Va. (Hinton News) — As the Nov. 5 election approaches, Summers County residents will once again have the opportunity to vote on an excess levy proposed by Summers County Schools. After the levy was voted down in the May primary election, it was revised and reintroduced for the general election. The levy aims to enhance educational opportunities, improve safety, and maintain school facilities while providing financial transparency on how the funds will be allocated.
According to the Summers County Schools website, the revised levy is designed to address several key areas within the school system. Funds generated by the levy would be used to improve the learning environment and provide additional support to students and staff.
Here’s a breakdown of where the money would go:
Personnel: The levy would fund additional staff to reduce class sizes and eliminate split classes, ensuring more personalized attention for students.
Academic Support Services: Expanded tutoring, credit recovery programs, and student interventions would be supported, helping students who may struggle academically.
Extended Learning Opportunities: The funds would provide for summer school and after-school programs, offering students more time to focus on academics and other skills.
Truancy Diversion and Dropout Prevention Services: A school-based probation officer, partly funded by a grant from the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals, would reportedly play a crucial role in preventing truancy and dropout. This officer would reportedly help students and families navigate legal and attendance issues, working alongside teachers and administrators to ensure every student has a path to graduation.
Safety and Security: School resource officers, who are active deputies with the Summers County Sheriff’s Department, would continue to serve in this capacity. According to Summers County Schools, the goal of these officers is to offer a positive influence and added peace of mind for parents.
Transportation: The levy would help cover the costs of bussing for curricular and extracurricular trips.
Building and Grounds Maintenance: Ensuring schools are well-maintained, the levy would support repairs, renewals, and general upkeep of facilities.
Facilities Improvements: Playgrounds and other learning areas would be updated or constructed to offer safe and engaging spaces for students.
The levy would apply to properties based on the following classifications:
Class I: Intangible personal property and certain agricultural properties (though no property is currently taxed in this class).
Class II: The majority of residents fall into this category, which includes owner-occupied residential properties and farmland.
Class III: Real and personal property situated outside a municipality that does not qualify under Class I or II.
Class IV: Property located inside a municipality that is not taxed under Class I or II.
The levy does not tax churches or nonprofits. It will not affect homestead exemptions; however, according to Summers County Schools, “You still take the net valuation and multiply it by the appropriate tax class to determine the yearly increase.”
According to Summers County Schools, some of the funds raised through the levy would go toward salaries and benefits, such as for positions like the school resource officer. A salary of approximately $70,000 includes not only the employee’s base pay but also state-mandated benefits, including retirement and health care costs.
The levy order states that the funds can only be used for the specified areas, ensuring transparency and accountability. However, the Summers County Board of Education has the ability to adjust the funds within the designated areas based on the needs of the school system.
After the levy’s defeat in the May primary election, the Board of Education made revisions to address community concerns and reintroduced the proposal for the general election.
Voters will have the opportunity to weigh in on the levy during the general election on Nov. 5. For more information about the levy and its potential impact, visit the Summers County Schools website where the levy order and other documents are available to view via PDF, or contact David Warvel at dwarvel@k12.wv.us.
