Kirtland Schools voters fail to pass new levy, Willoughby-Eastlake voters OK renewal

Voters have rejected a 5.9-mill additional levy for Kirtland Schools that would have generated $1,913,928 annually in funds and prevented the district from operating with a deficit budget.

The May 8 vote was 1,528-1,358, according to unofficial final results from the Lake County Elections Board.

The 10-year levy would have commenced with tax year 2018 and cost homeowners an additional $206.50 per year for every $100,000 of property valuation.

The district has seen a reduction in state funding of $831,000 since the 2011-12 school year and has compensated with a reduction in staffing. It has eliminated 14 positions: five teaching staff, 6.5 support staff and 2.5 administration staff prior to the start of the 2011 school year.

“Despite the hard work of many parents, community members and staff, the preliminary election results indicate that Kirtland Local Schools’ voters failed to approve the district’s 5.9-mill operating levy,” Superintendent Bill Wade said. “We respect the decision of the voters and remind everyone now that the election is over, we are not “yes” or “no” voters, we are all Kirtlanders, and we will work together to move forward in the best interest of our students and community.”

Wade had previously said that levy failure would spur the district to look at further reductions that would impact teacher positions, resulting in an increase in class size and fewer opportunities for Kirtland students.

Noting that the need for additional funds remains, the superintendent also said, “Our goal must be to the extent possible preserve the excellence in our schools. The Board of Education and district administration will need to make some difficult decisions as we look at our overall program. We will keep you updated on those discussions and any decisions that come out of them.”

Meanwhile voters in the Willoughby-Eastlake School District approved a five-year, 4.71-mill renewal levy which provides the district with $7,585,000 in annual funds, originally passed as an emergency levy in 2003 and was renewed in 2008 and 2013.

According to the Election Board’s unofficial final results, the levy passed with over 63 percent of the votes.

In the November 2017 General Election, the district tried to convert the renewal levy to a substitute levy of continuing duration and it was rejected by voters.

Because the levy is a renewal it will not require an increase in taxes. The levy will continue to cost taxpayers $164.85 annually per $100,000 of property valuation.

“Obviously, we are very grateful to pass our levy renewal and I am thankful for the continued support of our schools and our students,” Superintendent Steve Thompson said.

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