The Woodridge Local Schools district increased its levy request as it goes back to the voters with Issue 10 on March 6.

The 6.83 mill emergency operating levy would bring in close to $10 million annually if it's approved. It was placed on the ballot in response to the district's levy failure in November by close to 250 votes.

Superintendent Walter Davis is not shy about pointing to where most of the district's money is spent. Even if the levy passes, he says $400,000 in cuts will have to be made.

"We are a people business, so obviously those cuts would include personnel reductions," Davis said.

If the levy fails, not only is play to participate going to become a reality, but cuts could reach the classroom. 

"Those cuts are going to go deep into programming and really will change the face of our district," he said.

Music programs and Advance Placement courses are on the table for reductions in spending.

This time around, Davis says the board and its levy committee is branching out in different ways to communicate with voters. Davis says a 24-question survey was posted on the district's website until Feb. 17 to gather a  24 a sense of its priorities if cuts are needed to be made.

Davis confirmed that play to participate fees were among the top suggestions by voters if the levy fails next month.

"We know it's a horrible time to be asking for new money with the condition of the economy, but as you know by law, we have to have a balanced budget and we know looking out that we won't have one if we continue to do business as usual," he said.

From emails and Facebook messages, to sending out mailers and grassroots efforts, Davis says the levy committee is campaigning aggressively, even with its website; supportwoodridge.com.

Previous Coverage:

Woodridge Levy In March?