Georgetown explores levy to pay for armed guards at schools

GEORGETOWN, Ohio - School board and city officials plan to meet Wednesday evening to discuss the safety of students in the Georgetown Exempted Village Schools.

Art Owens, a Georgetown city councilman and father, requested the meeting with the school in light of the Sandy Hook shootings.

Owens said he approached the school district, not as a politician, but as a father concerned about the safety of his own children. He is hoping to have a discussion on the broad range of opportunities to insure the safety of children, up to placing a levy on the November ballot to pay for armed security at Georgetown Exempted's elementary and junior-senior high school.

Christopher J. Burrows, who took over as superintendent of the district on Feb. 1,  said he appreciates the concerns of parents and community members.

“Safety is important,” Burrows said.

In his first month in office, Burrows has reviewed safety plans with the Georgetown police chief and first responders.

“It is not sitting on the shelf collecting dust,” Burrows said.

He added the district is cautious about approaching the community asking for levies.

“We’ve been really efficient in our spending,” Burrows said.

He added the community is facing economic hardships that must be weighed against a levy as well. The Georgetown IGA is closing at the end of the month, taking with it 53 jobs.

The community discussion will take place at 6 p.m. at 987 Mt. Orab Pike, Georgetown.