Thanks to the 1st and 14th amendments to our great Constitution of the United States, and as an organization formed to oppose levies and bond issues, Geaugans Opposed to Additional Taxes and Spending (GOATS) requires equal consideration from the Chardon Local School District, or any governmental body in Geauga County, as it would give to a pro-levy committee.
GOATS expects governmental bodies to provide training to its employees in regards to these limitations in order to ensure compliance with the law.
- If the school invites pro-levy/bond representatives to speak at school functions, GOATS must be notified at least 7 days in advance and will send an against levy/bond representative who must be allowed to speak.
- If pro levy/bond materials are posted on or in school property, GOATS must be notified in order to post against levy/bond materials. This extends to digital assets such as email communications and social media accounts.
- All information such as parent contact information, email lists, etc. provided to the pro-levy/bond committees must also be provided to GOATS.
- If a school sends home communications (i.e. backpack stuffers) on behalf of a pro-levy/bond committee, it also should notify GOATS of this activity so we may provide communication to send home on behalf of the committee.
- If the Board of Education provides school resources to pro-levy/bond committees, GOATS must be invited to utilize those school resources as well.
- Spirit Day or celebrations after a levy/bond issue is defeated should be conducted at schools as they have been conducted when levy/bond issues have been passed.
School districts may refer to the Ohio School Boards Association fact sheet regarding school levy limitations.