LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) - The Lima City School board held an initial vote to put a renewal levy on the November ballot.
The renewal levy is a 5-year, 5.99 mill permanent improvement and operating expense levy that has been in place since 2021. The levy is not asking for any new money, instead is wanting the same amount given. The first vote allowed the district to submit the measure to the county auditor's office for certification before coming back to the school board, which will then vote to submit the measure to the board of elections for placement on the November ballot.
"We do know that this will not reduce our deficit. We still will have some tough decisions here in the near future. But it does at least give us the flexibility to continue with what we currently have been receiving," says Andre Rudolph, Superintendent of Lima City Schools.
This levy will be placed on the tax list for 2027 with the first collection in 2028.
The Lima School board also voted to expand its student dress code for the 2026-2027 school year.
Lima City Schools have followed a uniform-type dress code since 2006. In April, the district's Superintendent's Student Advisory Council gave a presentation to the board requesting the policy to be expanded. After consideration and feedback from the public, the board voted that the policy should allow for denim jeans, solid-color sweatpants, and any full-length t-shirt. According to the superintendent, around 80 percent of parents surveyed were in favor of the change.Â
"So, we're really excited that, in the upcoming school year, we are making some adjustments. And, my hope, is that we will get to see academic improvement based on student attendance, based on students being excited about being in the building, and expressing themselves via their attire. So, hopefully we have some academic achievement that comes along with that as well," says Andre Rudolph, superintendent of Lima City Schools.
As the schools expand dress code, Lima City Schools hope that students' motivation for school will increase.
