West Franklin official says mill levy could reduce pressure on district

West Franklin Superintendent Dotson Bradbury knows the school district could survive without a capital outlay mill levy.

But the school and its 730 students wouldn’t be the same.

“We wouldn’t have the same services and programs,” he said.

During Tuesday night’s public information meeting at West Franklin High School, Bradbury said without a capital outlay mill levy, the school would be forced to cut programs that are vital to its success.

“We’re very blessed that we have very fine vocational programs,” he said. “Our kids have some opportunities that other schools our size don’t have.”

The school board already voted to cut its school resource officer, but programs like carpentry, agriculture and business also are threatened, Bradbury said. In addition, Bradbury said the school district has been forced to increase class sizes, specifically at the elementary level.

“Are our class sizes larger? Absolutely. Are our elementary classes larger? Absolutely,” Bradbury said. “Are they too big? Absolutely.”

Bradbury is hoping the mill levy will relieve some of the pressure the school district is facing right now.

“There isn’t any hope for more money,” he said about any possible legislative funding the school might receive. “There isn’t any anticipation.”

The proposed capital outlay fund — coupled with state aid — would provide the school district with $197,000 annually for the next five years, which Bradbury admits isn’t that much money.

But asking for more than four mills, just isn’t possible right now, he said.

“We’re very aware this is the worst possible time to do this,” he said.

As it is, the school district has some repairs to make – parking lot improvements, roofing, heating and air conditioning equipment, not to mention technology needs.

“We can’t freeze technology purchases forever,” Bradbury said. “Our kids are at a disadvantage — plain and simple.”

A declining enrollment and faculty and staff retention also pose problems for the district, which were issues brought to Bradbury’s attention during the meeting.

“Central Heights didn’t lose kids last year,” Bradbury said. “They are growing. We’re not growing. In fact, we’re doing the opposite.”

West Franklin High School Principal Rick Smith said during difficult times, it’s important to remember what the school district is doing well. Reading scores across the district are up this year and the middle school received a standard of excellence for both reading and math.

“Those are the things we have to keep focusing on and promote,” he said. “Those are the things that will bring students here.”

The district will have additional meetings in the coming weeks, but Bradbury said he’s available by phone as well.

Coming meetings include:

• 7 p.m. Wednesday, commons at Appanoose Elementary School, 600 Shawnee Road, Pomona.

• 7 p.m. May 4, gym at Williamsburg Elementary School, 140 N. Louisa Ave., Williamsburg.