Ravenna Record-Courier
Levies in three school districts facing state oversight appeared destined for victory after repeated trips to the ballot.
Voters approved levies in Ravenna and Mogadore, two districts that were under the Ohio State Auditor's Office's fiscal caution designation. Voters in Springfield also approved two renewal levies that previously failed; the district is under fiscal watch designation by the state.
However, Streetsboro voters rejected their school district's request for new money,
Here's how local school issues fared in the May 6 primary election, pending any outstanding absentee ballots:
Ravenna voters narrowly approve new property tax
In the Ravenna school district, Issue 12, a 5.47-mill, 5-year property tax that would generate $2.75 million annually, was narrowly approved by voters. The levy had 1,291 votes in favor and 1,239 against, according to complete but unofficial results from the Portage County Board of Elections.
The levy will cost homeowners $192 per year per $100,000 in property valuation.
Mogadore school levy passes in Summit and Portage counties
In the Mogadore Local School District, which has voters in both Summit and Portage counties, voters in both counties approved a 5.93-mill, 6-year property tax that the district stated would help avoid an operating deficit. The levy – Issue 14 in Portage County and Issue 15 in Summit – passed with 845 votes in favor and 528 opposed. The levy will cost homeowners $208 per year per $100,000 in property valuation.
Streetsboro voters turn down levy request by large margin
Voters overwhelmingly rejected a levy request from Streetsboro City Schools, which was seeking passage of Issue 13 − a 5.0-mill continuing property tax that would generate $3.885 million annually. The levy failed with 1,293 votes against the levy and 568 votes in favor. It would have cost homeowners $175 per year per $100,000 in property valuation.
Aurora voters approve school levy
Voters easily approved a levy renewal for Aurora City Schools. Issue 11, the renewal of a 5.61-mill levy for current expenses, passed by a margin of 1,619 to 854, according to results from Summit and Portage counties. This was the first time the district put the levy renewal before voters. Aurora voters rejected a bond issue in November.
Springfield renewal levies pass after failing in November
Springfield Local School District was seeking renewal of two levies that voters rejected in November. Issue 15 in Portage County (Issue 16 in Summit), a 2.74-mill levy, passed, according to complete but unofficial results from both counties, 2,347 to 1,099. The same levy failed in November after a tie was recorded on Election Day. State law requires an affirmative vote for passage.
Springfield's Issue 16 in Portage County (Issue 17 in Summit County,) a 7-mill levy, also was approved according to results from both counties, 2,336 to 1,146. The same issue failed in November after a recount. Voters approved a third renewal levy in November.