Delaware City Schools Levy

11/05/2025

Thank you to our phenomenal community! The levy passed. Delaware came out strong, voting yes for our students and community. Rest assured, the funds from this PI Levy will go to facilities maintenance and improvements, getting new busses, and other vital items that can be used for 5+ years. These are long-term investments for our schools.

Thank you, again!

11/01/2025

Tuesday is Election Day. Vote 'Yes' for our kids, our schools, and our community.

10/29/2025

The facts matter, especially when it comes to the children of our community.

DCS is asking to raise the permanent improvements budget from what it was in 1989, 36 years ago. We wouldn't put it on the ballot unless it was truly needed.

We've had to defer vital projects that just cannot be put off any longer including:
• Abatement and replacement of original 60 to 75-year old tile flooring at Hayes,
Carlisle, Smith and Woodward.
• Replacement of 25 to 30-year old tile flooring in all buildings.
• Replacement of 15 to 25-year old carpet flooring in all buildings.
• Replacement of roof sections at Smith and Woodward.
• Repair and repave parking lots at Carlisle, Schultz, Dempsey, Hayes, and Willis
• Repair and repave the playground at Carlisle.
• School bus replacement is falling behind schedule; 4 to 5 buses should be
replaced each year. For the last 17 years, we have replaced an average of 3.41
buses each year. Average fleet age should be 7 years old with no buses more
than 15 years old. Current average fleet age is 8.17 years with five buses
currently 15 years old or older.

Vote Yes for our children and our community.

10/27/2025

Curious about some of the projects and repairs that have been deferred because of our current PI Levy operating budget? We have fences, curbs, radiator covers, and plaster repair to just name a few things. Operating on a budget that hasn't increased since 1989, where $1.00 is the equivalent of $2.60 today, means DCS has had to pick and choose what projects can get taken care of.

10/24/2025

Thank you to the Delaware Area Chamber of Commerce for voicing your support of the much needed PI Levy for our schools. This levy helps makes sure the children of your community have a safe and healthy place to learn and grow. Investing in our schools and children, is an investment for our community.

Also, a big "Thank You" to Mayor Riggle who came out to the Andrews House on Wednesday for the Northwest Neighborhood Association candidates event. She too endorsed the PI Levy.

The Delaware Area Chamber of Commerce supports and endorses the Delaware City Schools Permanent Improvement Levy that will be on the ballot Nov. 4. The funds are restricted to those obligations that allow the district to maintain their facilities – windows HVAC, classroom furniture, etc. – just ...

10/13/2025

Want to learn more about the PI Levy, School Board Candidates, and City Council Candidates?

Come out to the Andrews House next Wednesday (October 22nd) at 6:30 for the chance to hear from the candidates, ask your questions, and have your voice heard!

https://www.facebook.com/share/1BAPsnS23G/

10/03/2025

We'll be at First Friday this evening!

Stop by our tent to ask questions, get a yard sign, and learn more at the PI Levy.

09/23/2025

We've heard the questions about the growth Delaware has had over the years.

Levies are for a predetermined set amount, meaning that as Delaware grows the new housing developments haven't increased the amount DCS has received from levies. That's why DCS has been operating on the same PI budget for 26 years.

The PI budget is needed for permanent improvements to the facilities.

09/23/2025

Want a yard sign to show your support? Fill out the Google Form link below to get yours delivered to your house.

09/12/2025

Delaware City Schools is on the ballot this November 4th for a PI Levy. What's a PI Levy you ask, and is it even necessary?

A PI, or Permanent Improvements, Levy provides vital funding specifically for longterm (5-years or longer) facility improvements. These include roofing repairs, abatement and replacement of flooring for the 1950s, replacing classroom heaters, paving and repairing playgrounds, replacing busses, and more.

A PI Levy cannot be used for day-to-day operational costs (e.g., salaries, utilities, expendable supplies), or to fund the building of new schools.

DCS has been operating on the approximately $2 million a year to complete permanent improvements. This is the same budget as 1989. Since 1989, DSC has added two new buildings, increased the building footprint for all buildings in the district through additions, and has increased the bus fleet size to increase with district growth and demands.

Costs have drastically increased! We all feel it. The cost of a new bus has almost doubled since 2014, roofing replacement (per square foot) has almost tripled since 2018, and replacing unit ventilators (heaters) has more than doubled since 2016.

09/08/2025

Key Facts about the DCS Permanent Improvement Levy

What is the November Levy Request?
A: Delaware City Schools is seeking a continuing permanent improvement levy that the county auditor estimates will collect $4,497,850 annually, at a rate not exceeding 2.85 mills.

Why did the board place the levy on the ballot?
A: The district is operating on the same amount of money for permanent improvements as we were in 1989 (approximately $2 million annually) while costs for routine maintence projects have nearly tripled. Since the original PI Levy was passed, the district has also added 2 school buildings -- Schultz (1995) and Dempsey (2000) as well as
additions at all buildings. Our bus fleet has also grown to keep up with student enrollment, requiring more bus repairs/replacements.

How will the funds be utilized?
A: Funds from the Permanent Improvement levy will allow DCS to properly maintain our current school facilities. PI projects include roof repairs/replacements, asphalt/concrete replacement, HVAC repairs and upgrades, window/door replacement, classroom furniture replacement, athletic facility repairs/renovations, and many other routine maintenance projects. It will also allow the district to replace aging buses and technology. PI funds are also used for safety and security upgrades at our schools.

How much will the levy cost a homeowner?
A: The levy will cost homeowners approximately $100 per $100,000 of valuation annually.

What happens if the levy does not pass?
A: The district will continue to utilize current PI dollars to prioritize the most significant projects. However, without additional funds the district will continue to defer maintenance projects, bus replacement, and technology purchases.

How is the district accountable to taxpayers?
A: The district recently worked with an outside vendor to complete a permanent improvement cost assessment to understand the true needs
and costs of permanent improvement projects over the next 20 years. In addition, the Permanent Improvement Levy was a recommendation from
the community facilities committee. The district will continue to provide clear financial reports to share how funds are spent for our taxpayers.

We need YOUR YES vote on November 4th to maintain quality programs and opportunities for our students.