During a recent school board meeting in Washington Township, community members voiced their concerns regarding the district's funding and spending practices. Paul Sefcak, a local resident, challenged the board's justification for seeking additional levy money beyond what was initially authorized by voters. He questioned the logic behind increasing funding based on rising property values, emphasizing that homeowners do not see increased income from property value reassessments. Sefcak argued that the board appears to be seeking a continuous revenue stream without voter approval, suggesting that the district has a spending problem rather than a revenue issue.

Mike Larson, another resident, echoed these sentiments, urging the board to consider the financial burden on local taxpayers when proposing new levies. He highlighted that Centerville teachers are among the highest-paid in Ohio, with an average salary of $74,316, which exceeds the average of comparable districts. Larson pointed out that local taxpayers contribute significantly to the district's revenue, with 75% coming from local taxes, compared to the state average of 33%. He expressed concern over the rising property taxes, which have increased by 93% over the past two decades due to multiple levies and property assessments.

Larson also noted that after two failed levies, the district had to cut 48 positions, a small percentage of the total workforce. He urged the board to focus on cost-cutting measures and to recognize the financial constraints faced by residents, who cannot rely on increasing income to accommodate rising taxes.

The meeting highlighted a growing tension between the school board's funding requests and the financial realities faced by local taxpayers, as residents called for greater accountability and fiscal responsibility from the district.