ALBANY, Ohio-Voters rejected the renewal of Alexander Local School District’s operating levy, marking the second consecutive failure after its initial passage by a single vote in 2019. Superintendent William Hampton expressed surprise and disappointment at the lack of community support. The unofficial results showed a narrow margin of 215 votes against the levy, narrower than the previous November’s defeat by 341 votes.
This time, several school districts in the region experienced similar levy defeats, contrasting with the previous trend of successful levies. Complicating matters, the ballot language was found to be incorrect, adding further challenges to the election process. The district faces significant decisions about its financial future, including potential staff cuts and the introduction of student fees. The board will discuss its next steps, including the possibility of another levy attempt in the 2024 general election, the last opportunity for levy passage before financial consequences set in.
