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Beavercreek City Schools Levy Too Close To Call

A controversial school levy in Beavercreek didn't pass Tuesday, but the tally was so close it has triggered a recount. The levy failed in the first count by just 29 votes.

This is the fifth time Beavercreek Schools has asked voters for an additional levy, and this time the margin was tighter than ever. Still, it was certainly not a win for the school system.

"This is very disappointing because we’re drawing from reserves to maintain the current level of programs and services that we’re offering," said school superintendent Bill McGlothlin. "We’ve had substantial cuts in the last couple years."

The most recent Ohio budget reduced Beavercreek City Schools’ state revenue by 33 percent through 2015, and Beavercreek schools haven't received new funds since 2003, despite significant growth in enrollment.

Levy opponents say property owners cannot afford new tax increases, and point to the need for statewide reform of school funding.

The proposed 6.3-mill levy would raise $10 million over five years. But since a full count of provisional and military ballots will take weeks, McGlothlin says the district will begin to slim down its budget immediately.

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