Clay Local School District successfully passed a 6.8- mil tax levy in Tuesday's election, for the purpose of building new schools. The school joined 164 other districts in the state of Ohio that asked its residents for a tax levy this year, and more than half of those were rejected.

So why did Clay Schools' levy pass so overwhelmingly while most others failed?

"I really truly believe everybody came together, and we were really able to get the message out to people. I think we were probably in a better position than a lot of school districts may be in," said Clay superintendent Tony Mantell. "I think the most important thing is that we were able to give accurate information out to our voters, and the people in Clay Township realized what a wonderful opportunity it was."

Clay Township saw a higher than expected voter turnout on Tuesday, which officials from Scioto County Board of Elections attributed to the new school issue. The levy passed with nearly 74 percent voter approval.

According to the State Education Department, there were 165 issues on Tuesday ballots - 77 passed and 88 failed. Among those that failed were districts in Hilliard and Youngstown.

"I'm gravely disappointed for our students, gravely disappointed for our school community and gravely disappointed for all those who spent literally hundreds of hours - all for the betterment of the students," said Hilliard superintendent Dale McVey.

Locally, New Boston Schools is just beginning its campaign for new schools, which also eventually will require voters to pass a tax levy in the village.

New Boston superintendent Mike Staggs said he didn't think residents of the village would stand by and let their schools continue to operate as the only public school district without a new building.

"I think every child deserves an education that can occur in an environment that strengthens the instruction of the teachers. When you come into a building - into Oak Street, Glenwood or Stanton (schools) -