Schools’ bond issue in limbo; levies for 2 others fail
BROOKLYN, Ohio (WJW) — It’s a cliffhanger in Brooklyn.
A $20 million bond issue to improve the city’s school district is still too close to call. Like everyone else in town, Mayor Ron Van Kirk is anxiously waiting to see the results.
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“For 17 years, I taught. So I understand the need to have first-rate facilities, having what you need to educate the next generation,” he said.
Meanwhile, voters were more decisive about operating levies meant to stave off deficit, proposed by two other school districts in Northeast Ohio — both of which failed by a large margin.
The focus of the Tuesday ballot issue was on upgrading Brooklyn High School to the tune of $20 million.
Mayor Van Kirk said the building was built in the 1950s and the majority of it hasn’t been improved since the day it went up. In his mind, this investment is a must.
“I’ve walked through the building many times. It’s needed,” he said.
As of Wednesday morning, the levy is passing by just six votes. But the mayor said ballots are still being counted and a recount is in play.
County-level election vote tallies with a margin less than 0.5% are automatically recounted, under Ohio Revised Code. Unofficial results from the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections show a margin of 0.1%.
All of it means the waiting game will continue.
“I learned a lot about the process. There was actually a recount in my mayoral race. The board of elections does a great job. So they will count all of the votes and whether it’s several weeks or a month from now, we will know the results,” Van Kirk said.
Brooklyn Schools Superintendent Ted Caleris also weighed in. He issued the following statement to FOX 8 News:
Our feedback going into Election Day was positive. We were able to provide specific and factual information to the community regarding our Master Facility Plan. The community had great questions regarding the specific projects and costs associated with the Bond Issue. We received an amazing amount of support from our parents, community members and elected officials for the need to move forward with the upgrade of our facilities.
I appreciate the engagement of our parents, families, community and City Officials during this process. Regardless of the end result, it is quite obvious that we have an engaged and supportive Community.
Brooklyn City Schools Superintendent Ted Caleris
Elsewhere in the region, operating levies proposed by two other local school districts failed on Tuesday.
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Medina City Schools
Medina City School District’s projected deficit is already being watched cautiously by the state, following the November failure of its combined bond issue and operating levy.
To make up for a year of lost tax revenue, the district had already been planning about $8 million to $10 million in cuts over the next four years, even if its latest ask for a 7.5-mill continuous operating levy would have been approved on Tuesday.
It was expected to generate about $14 million per year for the district, while costing taxpayers $263 per every $100,000 in home value.
But residents voted against it, 6,521 votes (52.7%) to 5,848 votes (47.3%), according to unofficial election results from the Medina County Board of Elections.
Schools Superintendent Aaron Sable and Board of Education President Jeanne Pritchard released a statement that reads, in part:
Beyond its financial implications, the levy represented a lifeline for our students’ ongoing success and the future vibrancy of our school community. The funds it would have provided are crucial for us to sustain our current programs and services, ensuring every student receives the quality education they deserve.
Despite this setback, we refuse to lose hope. Instead, we must pivot and explore alternative pathways forward for Medina City Schools. While this is undoubtedly a challenging moment, it’s also an opportunity for us to come together, innovate, and find new solutions that will propel us towards a brighter future.
Throughout this journey, we will remain transparent and keep you updated on our progress. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Kids First Medina and all the volunteers who tirelessly worked to support our district. Your dedication embodies the spirit of our community, and together, we will overcome this obstacle and emerge stronger than ever.
Statement from Medina City Schools Superintendent Aaron Sable and Board of Education President Jeanne Pritchard
The district has not sought any new taxes since 2013, according to its website.
According to information posted to the district’s website before the vote, if a levy doesn’t pass this year, numerous cuts could be on the table, including:
Reducing busing to the state minimum of 2 miles and cutting busing to the high school entirely
Reducing staff as well as school resource officers and gifted and counseling services
Increasing the average class elementary class size as well as participation fees
District spokesperson Amy Busby told FOX 8 News on Wednesday that administrators have not yet begun discussing next steps.
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Ravenna City Schools
Ravenna City School District’s five-year forecast showed spending was in the red for two of the past three years, and projected a deficit each of the next five years, according to the district’s website. Its cash balance is expected to be completely drained by 2025.
The district last secured an operating levy in 2005, according to its website. Since then, salary payments have risen 30% and insurance premiums are up 163%, based on contracts and health insurance costs. Despite that, its revenue has stayed relatively flat, according to its website.
The district is also facing declining enrollment. It’s lost more than 100 students since 2020, about 5%, and those kids took their state funding dollars with them, according to the website. And though there are fewer students, more than 1 in 5 are in need of mandated special services.
Officials asked March primary voters for 6.9-mill additional levy, expected to generate $2.7 million per year. The owner of a home valued at $100,000 would have paid $242 per year. But it was rejected on Tuesday, with 2,156 voters (57.5%) against it.
Before the levy went to a vote, the district was considering cuts to its preschool and all-day kindergarten programs to reduce spending, according to its website. Cuts to transportation and extra- and co-curriculars like art, music and career and tech education programs were also on the table.
The district’s only other operating levy brings in about $2 million per year.
FOX 8 News reached out to Superintendent Laura Hebert on Wednesday but didn’t hear back.
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