The Mount Vernon City Schools Board of Education is preparing to propose a 1% earned income tax on the May election ballot. This initiative aims to support the district's Master Facility Plan, which focuses on enhancing school facilities. The plan includes building three new elementary schools and renovating Mount Vernon High School with a new auditorium and expanded music and cafeteria spaces.
An earned income tax targets wages and self-employment income but excludes pensions, Social Security, retirement income, or investment earnings. The facilities plan was developed over more than a year with input from the district’s Facility Advisory Committee. Their work emphasized improving school safety, increasing operational efficiency, catering to diverse learners' needs, supporting modern teaching practices, and addressing aging infrastructure.
The district collaborates with the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC), which is expected to cover about 36% of eligible project costs. The Board initially postponed placing the measure on the ballot to allow for updated financial information and better economic conditions. The district plans to provide ongoing updates about the facilities plan leading up to the May election through various communications channels.
The Board's decision underscores its commitment to long-term planning and community resource management. This effort seeks to enhance educational environments for current and future students in Mount Vernon City Schools.
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