Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What does Mason City Schools March 17 Operating Levy pay for?

A. This levy funds the day-to-day operations of the district and helps to preserve and protect the programming and student opportunities that currently exist. We're a people business! Salaries and benefits make up 85% of the general fund operating expenses, and 75% of our salaries and benefits are for our teachers. This levy keeps what we have - the current safety and mental wellness personnel and program investments, current staffing levels and personalization, current AP course choices, STEAM classes, continued emphasis on extracurricular choices that connect students, and current bus stop and time ranges.

Q. How long will this levy last?

A. If the March 17, 2020 levy passes, the board and administration commit to making it stretch for at least 5 years. Because of the way schools are funded in Ohio, most school districts need to be on the ballot every 3-5 years. It has been 15 years since Mason City Schools voters passed an operating levy.

Q. Is this funding needed for any recent construction projects?

A. This is an operating levy, which will pay for the people, programs, and opportunities that are provided for MCS students each day. Last year's total renovation of Mason Middle School (and the addition to the Mason Early Childhood Center and renovations at Mason Elementary and Mason Intermediate) were all funded without asking voters for more money. Instead, the district received $34 million (80%) of the monies from the Ohio Facilities Construction Committee and the other 20% of the funding came from local business tax abatement. The renovations have allowed the district to become more efficient, which does save operating funds.

Q. Do Deerfield Township residents pay Mason City Schools taxes?

A. ALL Mason City Schools residents pay Mason City Schools property taxes. The municipality, county, or township in which you live is irrelevant when it comes to school district property tax. If you live within the District’s boundaries, you pay Mason City Schools property taxes. The residents of Deerfield Township who live in the district pay Mason City Schools property taxes, as do the MCS residents who live in a sliver of Lebanon and a tiny portion of West Chester.

Q. Don't new homes bring more money for the schools?

A. While the District does receive some revenue from new home construction, it is not enough to cover the costs of the students that typically come with those new homes. Part of the reason is House Bill 920. Voted issues do not grow over time and can never generate more than was originally approved by the voters. It takes a $1 million home to generate enough revenue to cover one student's education per year.

Q. Does any of our levy money go to the state?

A. No. One good thing about local levies is that 100% of the funds from residents and businesses stay in our local school district to support our learners.

Q. Is there property tax relief for senior citizens?

A. Yes. Qualifying, low-income senior citizens, permanently and totally disabled Ohioans, and others who receive the homestead exemption tax credit can exempt up to $25,000 of the market value of their homes from all property taxes. Visit the Ohio Department of Taxation’s website to learn more about the homestead exemption.