Heating and lighting the rooms where students learn lessons that educators hope will last their lives isn't free.

And because of deeper cuts in the state budget, Brookfield school officials hope township voters see fit to support a levy that would help fund daily operations.

On Nov. 4, voters in Brookfield and Masury will be asked to vote on a 4-mill operating levy for the district.

This is the first time an operating levy has been placed on the ballot since the last one passed in 1995, said Superintendent Joseph S. White.

"This operating levy is really needed because of all the cuts we've received from the state of Ohio," he said.

The levy would be used to replace general-fund money, which was lost because of declining enrollment, as well as cuts in state funding and decreases in real estate and personal property tax receipts.

The district maintains that funds generated by this levy are essential to maintain the programs, staff and curriculum implemented over the last four years as part of the district's Continuous Improvement plan.