Summers County looks to change history this upcoming election

SUMMERS COUNTY, W.Va. (WVVA) - The ballot box is going to decide more than just the next president this upcoming election. Summers County voters will have the chance to decide on the impact of children’s futures.

While surrounding counties have recently passed school levies for more than four decades Summers County has not.

These residents are ensuring their voice is heard before they make their way to the ballot box and the county’s board members are listening.

Decreasing the proposed school levy from 35% to 30%, lowering the duration from five to two years.

Superintendent of Summers County schools David Warvel explains if the levy is passed what the money will be used for.

“So, give us that two years to show trust in how we can be real judicious with the money as we spend it on our children,” said Warvel. “All the services will go to the kids and to help them. There’s nothing going to administrative salaries or teacher salaries or benefits. This is all strictly for the kids of Summers County schools.”

Looking at the average tax rate for summers county, residents are looking at four to ten dollars a month for the levy.

Retired educator Cleo Mathews says for the students of Summers County the levy priceless.

“Each child is given a gift when they’re born, and it’s our responsibility to nurture that gift and help them as much as we can so that they can take their place in the world," said Mathews. “I believe, I’ve always believed, I’m an educator. I taught for over 40 years that next to love, the most important thing you give a child is a good education.”

The levy will provide Summers County children with after school activities, transportation resources, updates and more.

Warvel says he has heard the concerns for the schools in the community and this levy can help to fix those.

“For our facilities and playgrounds are playgrounds for our three elementary schools desperately need upgraded,” said Warvel. “I’ve heard that numerous times from people and I don’t disagree with that, but that would also help us out with our facilities to upgrade them and maintain them.”

Early voting begins October 23, and the final day of the election is November 5.

Warvel ended with quote “This is one hundred percent for the kids.”

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