It’s not new, it’s a renewal. That’s the request going before Coventry voters on March 4. We sat down with Coventry Superintendent Rusty Chaboudy for a question and answer session about Issue 6.

Q. Why bring Issue 6 to the ballot in March?

A. This is the first opportunity for us to put the issue on the ballot. The longer you wait, the more you fall behind. We anticipate with the Presidential Primary a big voter turnout and we hope they support Coventry Schools.

Q. Issue 6 is a renewal levy. What does that mean for voters?

A. It is an operating levy. It’s an emergency renewal which means it will collect the same amount of money.

Q. Which is?

A. This levy generates $2,888,700 for operational expenses. That is approximately 15 percent of our district’s total revenue each year.

Q. Will the millage change with this renewal issue?

A Five years ago, in 2003, when the issue passed, the millage rate was 9.96 mills. Currently the millage rate is 9 mills to generate $2,888,7000.

Q. How does that translate onto the tax duplicate?

A. It means a house valued at $100,000 paid $348.60 per year. Because this is a renewal levy, it can’t be replaced at a higher rate. It will always generate $2,888,700. Property owners could see a reduction in millage. With passage of this renewal issue, the same $100,000 house will pay $315 per year.

Q. If the renewal issue fails, what happens?

A. In the 2008-2009 school year we lose $1,440,350. In the following year, we lose $2,888,700 and every year after.

Q. How was the $2,888,700 that was generated by the previous five-year levy used over the last five years?

A. We have seen significant academic improvement. We’ve been able to hire good people, tutors and aides, that make a difference with a student. Three of our five schools have received excellent ratings from the state. We want to keep a good thing going.

Coventry doesn’t have a permenant improvement levy. Did the district

use money from the general fund to pay for repairs?

A. Day-to-day repairs come out of our general fund. Yes, we’ve made improvements. A new roof at Erwine is a perfect example. That was $160,000 from the general fund – money spent on repairs and not on education.

What is the most important thing a voter should understand about this renewal issue?

A. This renewal is for taxes already being paid and includes no new taxes. It is a five-year emergency request. It’s not continuous and will come before the voters again.