Elyria Voters Face $11.6 Million School Levy Choice
District officials warn of further cuts if the new operating measure fails, while critics cite the impact on fixed incomes.
By Chloe Martin ·
Elyria City Schools is seeking voter approval for a new operating levy.
The measure would generate $11.6 million annually for the district. Superintendent Ann Schloss stated that the last time the district passed a new operating levy was 16 years ago. She said this gap in funding demonstrates that the district has stretched its dollars and maintained fiscal responsibility over that period.
Schloss described the current funding model for schools as having a legitimate problem. She noted that collecting new revenue is the only available option for the district. "There is a problem, a legitimate problem with how they fund schools and we know that, at the end of the day, though, this is our only way to collect new revenue to help us, and until they change that, you know, we have to ask," Schloss said.
The district recently implemented $9 million in cuts. Schloss said that without the new levy, officials would be forced to make an additional $8 million in reductions. The new funds would cover daily operating expenses, including staff salaries, electricity, and other necessities for student education.
Supporters argue that the levy is necessary to maintain essential programs. Chris Schneider, who supports the measure, said the district owes it to the future to lift up students. "We owe it to our future to continue to support and lift up these kids, and I think there's a lot of crucial programs and, efforts that Elyria Schools makes that is potentially on the table here to get cut, and I really don't want to see that happen," Schneider said.
Opponents focus on the financial burden for retired residents. Mary Shufelt, who opposes the levy, noted that she lives on a fixed income. "I cannot afford more taxes. I'm retired. I'm living on a fixed income, and people have been putting it that it's just 26 more dollars a month, but when you add that up, that's $312 more a year. And when you're living on Social Security, that's a lot of money," Shufelt said.
If voters reject the levy, the district faces multiple cuts. These potential reductions include extracurricular activities and full-day kindergarten.
Source: News 5 Cleveland (WEWS)
