Oakwood voters pass school levy

Voters approved the Oakwood school levy Tuesday by more than a 7-point margin.

With more than 5,500 voters casting ballots, the levy passed with 53.7 percent of the vote to 46.3 percent, according to unofficial results from the Montgomery County Board of Elections.

RESULTS: Latest updated local election results: http://www.daytondailynews.com/elections/results/all/

“We thank our community for the continued support and trust to provide the type of schools they want for the children of Oakwood,” superintendent Kyle Ramey said in a statement Tuesday night. “We never take this support for granted and are aware and accept the burden of the expectations defining this community.”

Oakwood, the area’s highest-performing school district academically, asked voters for the same increase as its past two levies — 5.75 mills, which will cost the owner of a $100,000 home $201.25 annually.

The money will pay for day-to-day operations. Oakwood Schools Treasurer Kevin Philo has pointed out that Oakwood’s expenditure per student is lower than most of the state’s other top academic performers, and comparable to Centerville and Kettering.

“We will continue to be good stewards, maintaining the highest level of fiscal accountability, while focusing on innovative curriculum that supports our district’s mission of doing what is best for kids every day. We stand on the shoulders of giants,” Ramey said.

Oakwood voters have approved new school operating levies every three years, with comfortable levy passages in 2007, 2010 and 2013.

“We thank our community for its wonderful support. We thank our students and staff for being exemplary examples as to why such an investment is warranted,” said Todd Duwel, Oakwood school board vice president and levy committee chairman.

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