Residents of the Bethel Local Schools district will be asked in the May 2 election to renew two levies for district operations and capital improvements.

“Bethel families have had a long-standing tradition of valuing the education we provide for their students. We ask for their continued financial support as we continue to move forward in providing a quality 21st Century education for their children,” district Superintendent Virginia Potter said.

The levies include a 2-mill, five-year request for capital improvements. It generates $206,160 a year. This levy costs the owner of a $100,000 home, $38.61 a year, according to the Miami County Auditor’s Office.

The second levy is a 7-mill, five-year levy for operating. It generates $1,032,718 a year. This levy costs the owner of a $100,000 home $202.69 per year.

Both levies expire in December.

Potter said the capital improvement levy money is earmarked for building repairs and facility needs.

More than $1 million of the renewal money would go to general expenses. Among those expenses are curriculum, transportation, athletics, fine arts and salaries.

“If this no-new tax renewal doesn’t pass, our general budget will be depleted within 18 months,” Potter said

The main reason for this financial situation is the amount of growth our district is experiencing due to new housing developments within the township,” she added. “We are excited to see new families coming to our schools because we know these children will be receiving a quality education. However, with that growth comes the addition of more teachers and classroom space.”

More information on the Bethel requests is available on Facebook at bethelschoollevy.