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Voters in Brooke County are being asked to approve the renewal of a levy in support of Brooke County Schools as part of next week's primary election, and we would encourage them to do so.
The levy, as described, would generate just over $12 million per year over a five-year period. Please note, this is a renewal of a long-standing levy in the county, and not any new taxation on residents.
These funds would account for more than one-third of the county's annual budget, providing funding for the salaries and benefits of 17 professional positions and around 39 service personnel posts not covered by the state aid formula, as well as stipends to cover the costs of training and certification required by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, pay stipends for all employees, funds for retirement costs not covered by the state, as well as funding for vision and dental benefits, pay for substitute teachers and extra-duty assignments, almost $650,000 for safety and security, and some maintenance projects within the district.
We understand taxation is not always a popular topic, but if think about what would be needed if this levy does not pass.
Consider the possibility of positions being cut within the district, including teachers and service personnel. That would mean consolidation of classes, and possibly even schools in some situations, additional workloads placed on employees, unsafe conditions and more.
Brooke County voters have a long tradition of showing support for their schools and students. Let's make sure that continues.