Why Our Earned Income Tax Levy Matters: A Realistic Look at Our District’s Future

As a school board member of the Milford Exempted Village School District (MEVSD), I want to take a moment to address the upcoming earned income tax levy on the ballot this November. I’ve heard concerns from some community members about whether the potential cuts we’ve discussed are scare tactics designed to sway votes. Let me assure you, that is not the case. The reality is that these potential cuts are a glimpse into what the state will require us to do if we remain in deficit spending.

We must be clear: if the levy fails, the state's oversight will increase, eventually pushing us into fiscal watch, fiscal emergency - ultimately, state control. In the event of a state takeover, the district will be forced to make even deeper cuts than those currently being discussed. This isn’t hypothetical—it’s happening in other districts right now. Take Houston ISD in Texas, where a state takeover has removed community involvement and dramatically reduced staffing, programs, and extracurricular activities. Houston ISD is a sizeable out-of-state district, but we can look at districts in Ohio like the Little Miami Local Schools, where it took three years to get out of fiscal emergency, and you can see the size of the final levy HERE. The impact on students, families, and the community has been significant. Milford could face a similar future if we don't take proactive steps now.

What’s at Stake?

Milford Schools have a reputation and legacy for offering students opportunities far beyond state mandates. MEVSD provides advanced placement (AP) classes, high-level sports and cheerleading programs, a top-tier fine arts program, various clubs, bands, choirs, and extracurricular activities that enhance our students' education. These offerings make people want to move to our district and raise their families here. Without the levy, these programs and opportunities will be at risk, as state control means cutting costs by eliminating much of what makes our district unique.

Additionally, our district is one of the largest employers in the area, and cuts will impact not just students but our dedicated staff and the community as a whole. The ripple effect of a state-run district goes beyond the school walls—it affects the very fabric of our community.

Why This Levy Now?

MEVSD hasn't asked the community for an operating levy in eleven years (May 2013). Typically, in that period, most school districts would have gone out for 2 or 3 new levies (on average, districts go out for an operational levy every 3 to 5 years.) The last levy we passed was a bond for constructing a new middle school (Thank You, click here to see how it's going) because the old one was outdated. It's important to understand that a bond differs from an operating levy. A bond is used for capital improvements, like building new schools. An operating levy, like the one on the ballot in November, is used for day-to-day expenses like paying teachers, keeping the lights on, and offering the programs that make our schools great.

How does it Benefit our Senior Citizens?

Many of our seniors have spent decades supporting the community and our schools, and we understand they live on fixed incomes. The good news is that this earned income tax levy will not impact their retirement income. It’s designed to protect those on fixed incomes, allowing them to support the district without worrying about their financial stability.

The Choice We Face

You have a clear choice when you go to the polls in November or when early voting starts on October 8th. Do we want Milford Schools to continue being a district that excels and goes beyond the basics, offering opportunities that make it stand out? Or do we want a state-controlled district where we lose local control and are forced to make drastic cuts? Our schools and our community's future is in your hands.

In Closing

This blog focuses on timely issues following our recent board meeting, particularly around the impact of the upcoming levy on our district and community. I encourage everyone to explore more about how the school district contributes to the home values in Milford, which is a crucial part of our community’s appeal. I plan to write more about the district’s partnerships and initiatives. In the meantime, I encourage you to follow the district’s social media pages, where the new communications director will share updates and information regularly. All of this work—preparing for potential budget cuts and addressing the levy—pulls the board and administration away from focusing on what truly matters: strengthening the district’s financial future through innovative solutions and expanding educational opportunities for all of the students.

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About the Author: Michael Wilson is a dedicated member of the Milford Exempted Village School District (MEVSD) School Board, appointed in January 2024. A long-time Milford resident and parent of two daughters, one a recent graduate and one currently enrolled in Milford Schools, Michael has been actively involved in the community since 2014. He brings over 12 years of professional experience as a sales executive in educational IT solutions, working closely with K-12 and higher education institutions across the country.

In addition to his professional work, Michael has served in various community roles, including as a Life Coach at Mentoring Plus, President of his neighborhood HOA, and Board Member of the Milford Basketball Association. He is committed to supporting public education, advocating for fiscal responsibility, and fostering open communication between the school district and the broader community.