Tuesday, January 14th, 2014
Longtime St. Henry superintendent to retire; levy planned
Moorman has led district for 14 years
By Kathy Thompson
ST. HENRY - The district's longtime leader is retiring and voters will likely see a renewal levy on the May ballot.
Superintendent Rod Moorman submitted his resignation to board of education members Monday night during their regular meeting. He has led the school system for the past 14 years.
Moorman said he will be retiring to spend more time with his family and traveling. He said the district's success is the "result of the wonderful families in our community, the dedication of the fine staff and the professionalism of all who serve and who are not serving as members of the board."
Moorman earned about $109,561 a year since his contract was renewed in 2009. In 2008, he had planned to retire and be rehired, but school board members were against the idea and he withdrew the proposal.
Paul Moorman, who was elected board president Monday night, said Rod Moorman will be missed. Board members will begin searching for a new superintendent as soon as possible.
School board members Monday night approved sending a five-year emergency renewal levy with an increase to the Mercer County auditor so it can be put on the May 6 ballot. They said the levy is needed to keep up with the school district's growing operating expenses.
The 8.7-mill property tax levy passed in 2009 has dropped to 7.3 mills and continues to collect $782,000 annually, with 12 percent rollback paid by the state. It costs taxpayers with a $100,000 home about $225 a year. The levy expires in December.
If the new levy is passed, millage will return to the 8.7-mill rate and taxpayers with a $100,000 home will pay about $60 more per year, giving the district an additional $228,000 annually, said Glenn Miller, school treasurer.
Money from the levy would benefit the general fund and pay for operating expenses such as supplies, utilities and personnel, Miller said.
If the levy failed, the school district would face a projected deficit of $1.9 million in 2018, Miller said.
Board members will have a special meeting at 7 p.m. Jan. 22 to finalize the millage, Miller said
Also on Monday, board members elected Ruth Nerderman vice president.
