School District to send two levies to vote

POMEROY-The School District board (PSD) discussed the two levies to be put out to the voters; the Traffic Safety Education (TSE) program currently in place; and a change to the dress code proposed by the Associated Student Body, according to the minutes from their October 24 meeting.

Two levies will be presented to voters in February of 2023, an enrichment levy and a capital levy. The enrichment levy is for a four-year period, with a collection of $1,100,000 for each of the four years. The capital levy will be a six-year levy, collecting an estimated $500,000 each year, to be used for improvements to the elementary playground, elementary roof, sidewalks, and other facility projects. Both levies will need a majority vote over 50% to pass. Collection per $1,000 for voters are not expected to increase if the levies pass.

The TSE program that has been offered at Pomeroy High School will be offered once this year and then discontinued for lack of an instructor. PSD Superintendent Rachel Gwinn stated that they will advertise for a replacement instructor, but acknowledged the slim chances of finding one due to the time consuming requirements for TSE instructor certification. TSE program options can be found in Clarkston and Dayton.

Representatives from the ASB presented a request to the board to change the dress code to allow hats to be worn in common areas of the school buildings, as well as classrooms at the discretion of the teachers, and to allow leggings in the code. The directors approved a trial of the change, subject to revocation if violations of the code and issues arising from the changes cause increases of administration time or adversely impacts teaching or learning. PHS Principal Dan Wendt will keep track of the data pertaining to the change of dress code. The ASB representatives also shared the success of the homecoming week events, including the outdoor movie which the ASB hopes to hold again.