CANFIELD — The Board of Education took action at last week’s board meeting to officially join the lawsuit over school vouchers and decided to hold off on another levy attempt until November 2025 at the earliest.

The board did agree to have Superintendent Joe Knoll make an application to the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) to participate in the Expedited Local Partnership Program (ELPP).

Superintendent Joe Knoll said the application would be accepted immediately, but the final numbers would likely be known when it goes to the OFCC in July or August.

“They will use a new cost set,” Knoll said. “Regional construction costs go up and we are not sure just what that will be yet.”

He also mentioned the rankings from the OFCC. According to the K-12 school district equity list, Canfield is rated as number 499 out of 609. The income adjusted valuation per pupil for Canfield is at $266,605.

On top of the equity list is Warren City School District at $42,315, second is Campbell City School District at $43,287, and in number three spot is Youngstown City School District at $43,294.

Knoll said the position on the list is down the line, meaning some funding may be available down the road.

“In order to be approved for the ELPP agreement, we have to put the money up front,” Knoll said regarding new construction.

The school board members were in agreement that another levy attempt would have to be later in 2025, if at all.

“After talking with the levy committee, the feedback was to be thoughtful,” said Board President Nader Atway. “I don’t see us wanting to move forward this coming May (2025). Our next step would be to look at next November. We are not sitting back though and our needs are still there. We’ll need to continue this discussion in January.”

All agreed with Nader and Board Member Traci DeCapua said, “Just because we decided to go (next) November or beyond, doesn’t mean the work stops.”

Levy committee member Jason Henry addressed the board during public comment. He told the board he would like to see them collect data next year. Knoll said the law does not allow school districts to use public money to conduct surveys.

Henry also asked the district to continue the fight in the lawsuit over school vouchers. The lawsuit seeks to bring public money back to districts where a student lives as opposed to going to the private or religious school the pupil attends. A brief discussion was held on the issue and the board unanimously approved joining the lawsuit. The action brought a standing ovation from those in attendance.

“The Ed Choice lawsuit is now official for Canfield,” Knoll said.