CANFIELD, Ohio - The Canfield community is just one week away from voting on this year's school levy, needed to replace its aging middle school and fund needed improvements across all district buildings. 

Last November, the levy failed with 60.7% of voters not in favor to 39.3% of voters in favor.

School leaders in Canfield are working to get voter support for the district levy. Ralliers gathered at the Canfield Village Green Tuesday and told 21 News they feel confident heading into November 5. 

"We have a new plan and a new price point," explained Rachel Muser, Community Outreach Chair with Canfield Local School District. "I think it's something that a lot of people are behind."

Dozens of levy supporters lined E. Main Street Tuesday, holding red and white Canfield signs while the majority of vehicles sounded their horns. 

"It does feel a little bit more of a positive feel," explained Dean Conley, Social Studies Teacher and Girl's Golf Coach at Canfield High School. "I don't know if that's the reaction to the changes they made but I see tons of signs driving around. There's a great turnout here today. There's a lot of teachers here today and a lot of community members."

The proposal is a 40% decrease from last year's $105 million. Funds would rebuild the 102-year-old Canfield Middle School, keeping it in the same central location. The levy would also transform all district buildings into conducive, modern learning environments.

The middle school also poses safety risks to students and staff, with asbestos throughout the complex, a needed roof replacement, and not meeting ADA standards.

"What we wanted to do is empower the community, to learn about the levy, and be able to talk with their friends and neighbors and really build that network," Muser said. "We've got people from all ends of the community. We have retirees, teachers, students, and parents all getting involved."

"I think the group is listening to the community," Conley added. "The community wasn't okay with the $105 million and so you had to make changes. I appreciate the changes that they made."

Homeowners would pay $10.79 each month for a $100k home. If the levy fails, the district would have to pull operational funding to Band-Aid preexisting issues. The hazardous and dilapidated middle school would stay as-is.

"Canfield is known for its schools," Muser said. "We have the best teachers around and we just got a 5-star rating. We need the facilities that match that. Our teachers and our students deserve it and it's going to keep property values high, keep people moving to Canfield, and keep the town thriving."

Visit the Mahoning County Auditor’s link to review property value reappraisals here: https://oh-mahoning-auditor.publicaccessnow.com/Home.aspx