School districts in Northeast Ohio have levies and bond issues on the May 6 ballot

CLEVELAND — Voters across Northeast Ohio will decide on several school levies and bond issues in the May 6 primary election. 

Some districts are seeking extra funding in addition to renewals. This could have a significant impact on residents in communities located in counties such as Cuyahoga, Summit, Medina, Portage, and Lorain.

Here’s a look at some of the most notable measures on the ballot:

Bay Village City Schools 

One district, for instance, is seeking approval for a 3.15-mill tax levy for permanent improvements on the upcoming May 6 ballot. This levy aims to support building upgrades, technological advancements, provision of textbooks, and transportation services.

The proposed levy is part of the district’s Finance + Facilities for the Future Plan. The goal of this plan is to raise $2.9 million yearly to secure long-term financial stability and prolong the lifespan of district infrastructures.

The plan also includes paying off the 2012 construction bond five years early, saving the district $790,000 in future interest. If approved, the levy will help complete $27 million in improvements across five schools.

More information can be found HERE. 

Parma City School District

The district is seeking voter approval for a 6.9-mill additional emergency levy on the May 6 ballot. This levy will generate $23.1 million annually for operating expenses over the next 10 years, supporting current curricular and extracurricular programs. 

The cost to homeowners would be $20.13 per month for every $100,000 of home value. If approved, this levy will help maintain the district’s educational offerings. Failure to pass it could result in staffing reductions and cuts to programs.

Vermilion Local School District

The district is seeking a bond issue for $47 million to address aging and inadequate school facilities. Examples include leaking roofs, inefficient heating and cooling systems and outdated classrooms that no longer meet modern educational standards.

The district’s high school is 57 years old, the middle school is 49 years old and the bus garage is 77 years old, with the elementary school already 10 years old. If approved, the bond will fund necessary renovations and upgrades, improving the learning environment for students.

The Wickliffe City School District is placing a 7.2-mill additional tax levy on the May 6 ballot. The levy aims to support current expenses for the district, generating $3 million annually. It will cost $252 per $100,000 of the county auditor’s appraised property value.

Avon Lake City School District

Voters will decide on Issue 16 and Issue 17 in the May 6 election. Issue 16 is a $88.1 million bond issue that would fund the construction of a new Grades 5-8 facility at the Learwood location and repairs to existing elementary school buildings. The bond would last 37 years and cost $96 per year per $100,000 of home value.

Issue 17 is a 1.97-mill operating levy to support general operating expenses, generating $3 million annually over 10 years. It would cost $69 per year per $100,000 of home value.

If both issues pass, Avon Lake taxpayers would pay a combined $165 per year per $100,000 of home value.

More information can be found HERE.

Elyria City School District 

Elyria City Schools has placed Issue 19, a 10-year, 4.9-mill emergency levy, on the May 6 ballot to generate $6.4 million annually for operating expenses. If approved, it would fund teacher salaries, academic programs, technology and student activities, costing homeowners about $14 per month per $100,000 of appraised property value. 

Without it, the district would face $6 million in budget cuts, leading to staff reductions, program eliminations and decreased transportation services. This is the district’s first request for new funding in 15 years.

More information can be found HERE.

Buckeye Local School District

Buckeye Local Schools has placed a $59 million bond issue on the May ballot to fund the construction of a new high school and repurpose the current high school into a junior high. The plan aims to modernize learning spaces to meet current curriculum and technology. 

The district is covering additional costs through a mix of general fund cash and a certificate of participation loan to minimize taxpayer burden. 

More information can be found HERE. 

Highland Local Schools is placing a 7.4-mill Emergency Operating Levy on the May 6 ballot to generate $9.9 million annually for 10 years. The funds will support daily operations, including staff, transportation, utilities and security. 

Rising costs have led to a projected budget deficit in 2025, and without the levy, significant cuts may be necessary, according to school officials. If passed, it will cost homeowners $259 per $100,000 of property value annually.

More information can be found HERE. 

Ravenna School District is placing a 5-year, $2.75 million emergency operating levy (Issue 12) on the May 6 ballot. The levy aims to maintain daily operations, retain staff, reinstate programs and enhance extracurricular activities. 

According to district officials, without this funding, the district faces significant financial challenges that could impact student success and community stability. 

More information can be found HERE. 

The Streetsboro City Schools Board of Education has placed a 5-mill operating levy on the May 6 ballot as Issue 13. If approved, the levy will generate about $3.9 million annually to support academic programs and operational expenses.

Homeowners will pay $175 per $100,000 of assessed property value.

More information can be found HERE. 

Mogadore Local Schools is placing an $804,000 emergency levy on the May 6 ballot for six years to avoid an operating deficit. This levy will cost homeowners $17.30 per month or $208 per year per $100,000 of property value (5.93 mills). 

If passed, it will help maintain academic and extracurricular programs, staffing levels and prevent further cuts, such as eliminating advanced placement courses or extracurricular activities like sports, theater and music. The levy’s failure could result in increased state oversight and reduced services, including busing and extracurricular opportunities.

More information can be found HERE.

Nordonia Hills City Schools 

The Nordonia Schools 5-mill operating levy is on the May 6 ballot, seeking to address rising costs and maintain the quality of education in the district. The levy will result in an $8.75 monthly increase for every $100,000 of appraised property value, with a total increase of 3 mills due to 2 mills expiring. 

If the levy fails, the district could face budget deficits, leading to larger class sizes, program cuts and reduced support for students. It will also impact the district’s ability to address over $59 million in needed repairs for aging facilities. 

More information can be found HERE.

Twinsburg City School District

The Twinsburg City School District is placing a $97 million bond levy on the May 6 ballot for facility improvements, including a new PK-6 elementary school and upgrades to athletic facilities. 

The bond will be repaid over 36 years with a 3.84 mill rate, costing about $135 annually per $100,000 of appraised property value. The project aims to address aging buildings, enhance safety and improve athletic resources.

Springfield Local School District

The Springfield Local School District is placing two levy renewals on the May 6 ballot. These levies, which have supported the district’s operations for over 25 years, include a renewal for current expenses and one to address emergency requirements, totaling $1.6 million. 

If not renewed, the district could face cuts to elementary music, middle school art, STEM programs and extracurricular activities, including sports.

More information can be found HERE.