Several local school districts have levies, bond issues on November ballot

April Helms, Akron Beacon Journal
·4 min read
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A desire for new school buildings. A wish to renovate existing structures. Striving to maintain existing facilities and services.

Several school districts are asking their voters to approve either bond issues or levies on the Nov. 8 ballot to fund plans that they say are critical to their schools' future.

The most ambitious plan is in the Nordonia Hills City School District, which hopes to consolidate its six aging structures with three new schools. There would be one kindergarten- through fourth-grade school building where Lee Eaton is now, which would replace Northfield Elementary, Rushwood and Ledgeview elementary schools. In addition, there would be a building for fifth through eighth grades and a new high school building, both constructed at the current high school site.

For this to happen, voters are being asked to give their approval to Issue 5, a 7.75 mill, 37-year bond issue that would generate $165 million over 37 years. The annual cost to homeowners would be $271.26 for each $100,000 of valuation.

"Our buildings average 71 years old and range from 52 to 106 years old," said Superintendent Joe Clark. If Issue 5 passes, he said, "Nordonia students will go to school in comfortable, safe buildings suitable for 21st-century education."

Background on bond issue:Voters in the Nordonia Hills school district will get final say in 7.75-mill bond issue

Copley-Fairlawn city schools also seek bond issue

Voters in the Copley-Fairlawn City School District will see Issue 3, a 2.98-mill, 30-year bond issue which will generate $50 million for the district.

If passed, the bond issue would cost about $104 a year for every $100,000 of home valuation.

Planned improvements and renovations include:

• Sewer service modifications for Copley High School and Copley-Fairlawn Middle School.• Kitchen and cafeteria renovations for the high and middle schools.• Main entrance upgrades for the high school, including security entrance enhancements.• Existing restroom upgrades for all of the school buildings, including family restrooms.• Parking lot upgrades for all of the schools.

Improvements to the high school and middle school athletic facilities also are planned.

If voters approve Issue 3, improvements would start in spring 2023.

Background on bond issue:Copley-Fairlawn school officials place 2.98-mill bond issue on fall ballot

Stow-Munroe Falls city schools looking to increase funds for daily operations

The Stow-Munroe Falls City School District is hoping the district's voters will help provide an additional $7.9 million to its general fund with the passage of Issue 6. The 10-year tax levy is for 6.93 mills and would cost $20 a month for every $100,000 of home value.

According to information from the school district, the five-year forecast for the Stow-Munroe Falls schools show a deficit by fiscal year 2024. School districts in Ohio are not allowed to go into the red on their budgets.

"Without additional funding, the district will have to make reductions to balance the budget, which could result in less programming and staff and larger class sizes," stated information on the school district's website. "Addressing the most pressing issues, operational funding, is the most fiscally responsible path."

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Springfield Local Schools hope for passage of Issue 9

The Springfield Local School District is aiming for the return of full busing, a school resource officer in the elementary and intermediate school, a reduction in pay-to-play fees and the return of shelved educational programs.

The district can achieve this if Issue 9, a 3.9-mill, five-year levy, Superintendent Shelley Monachino said. If approved, the levy would cost residents $11.38 a month for every $100,000 of appraised value on a home.

According to information at movingspringfieldforward.com, the district has not received any new operating money since 2000.

If the levy fails, the district will need to implement additional costs, which could include all non-state mandated educational programs, extracurriculars and athletic programs.

General Election 2022:What to know about Summit County voting, candidates, voting locations and more

Cuyahoga Falls, Twinsburg, Coventry ask voters for levy renewals

Three school districts in Summit County have renewal levies on the ballot:

  • Voters in the Cuyahoga Falls City School District will decide Issue 4, renewal of a 4.11-mill, five-year levy that was first approved in November 2017. The levy would generate $3.6 million annually and would cost the homeowner $221.55 a year per every $150,000 in value.

  • The Twinsburg City School District is hoping voters will again approve a 6.9-mill, five-year levy that was originally passed in May 1993. If Issue 7 is approved, the levy would generate about $5.2 million annually.

  • Issue 8 for the Coventry Local School District is a 7.88-mill, five-year levy that was first passed in 2003. If approved again by voters, the levy will generate nearly $2.9 million per year and cost a homeowner $241.34 per year for every $100,000 of value.

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Reporter April Helms can be reached at ahelms@thebeaconjournal.com

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: 7 Summit County school districts seek voters' help on Nov. 8 ballot