Notable districts with levies on the ballot included Nordonia Hills, Avon Lake, Elyria, Parma, Twinsburg and Ravenna.
CLEVELAND — Northeast Ohioans had a chance to vote yay or nay on several school levies and bond issues in Tuesday's primary election.
While many were renewals, some districts were asking for additional funding, which could significantly impact residents in those communities in counties including Cuyahoga, Summit, Medina, Portage and Lorain.
Here's a look at some of the most notable measures on the ballot and how they fared:
CUYAHOGA COUNTY
The district placed a 3.15-mill additional tax levy for permanent improvements on the ballot. This levy will fund building improvements, technology, textbooks and transportation.
It’s part of the district’s Finance + Facilities for the Future Plan, which aims to generate $2.9 million annually to ensure long-term financial stability and extend the life of district buildings.
The plan also includes paying off the 2012 construction bond five years early, saving the district $790,000 in future interest. The levy will now help complete $27 million in improvements across five schools.
More information can be found HERE.
The district was seeking voter approval for a 6.9-mill additional emergency levy. This levy would have generated $23.1 million annually for operating expenses over the next 10 years, supporting current curricular and extracurricular programs.
The cost to homeowners would have been $20.13 per month for every $100,000 of home value. If approved, this levy would have helped maintain the district’s educational offerings. Failure to pass it could now result in staffing reductions and cuts to programs.
ERIE COUNTY
The district was seeking a bond issue for $47 million to address aging and inadequate school facilities. Examples include leaking roofs, inefficient heating and cooling systems, and outdated classrooms that no longer meet modern educational standards.
The district's high school is 57 years old, the middle school is 49 years old and the bus garage is 77 years old, with the elementary school already 10 years old. If approved, the bond would have funded necessary renovations and upgrades, improving the learning environment for students.
LAKE COUNTY
The Wickliffe City School District placed a 7.2-mill additional tax levy on the ballot. The levy would have supported current expenses for the district, generating $3 million annually. It would have cost $252 per $100,000 of the county auditor's appraised property value.
LORAIN COUNTY
Voters decided on Issues 16 and 17. Issue 16 was a $88.1 million bond issue that will fund the construction of a new grades 5-8 facility at the Learwood location and repairs to existing elementary school buildings. The bond would last 37 years and cost $96 per year per $100,000 of home value.
While Issue 16 is currently slated to pass, it was only approved by less than 20 votes, which means the result could be subject to a recount.
Issue 17 is a 1.97-mill operating levy to support general operating expenses, generating $3 million annually over 10 years. It will cost $69 per year per $100,000 of home value.
With both issues passing, Avon Lake taxpayers will pay a combined $165 per year per $100,000 of home value.
More information can be found HERE.
Elyria City Schools placed Issue 19, a 10-year, 4.9-mill emergency levy, on the ballot to generate $6.4 million annually for operating expenses. It will now fund teacher salaries, academic programs, technology and student activities, costing homeowners about $14 per month per $100,000 of appraised property value.
Without it, the district would have faced $6 million in budget cuts, leading to staff reductions, program eliminations and decreased transportation services. This was the district's first request for new funding in 15 years.
More information can be found HERE.
MEDINA COUNTY
Buckeye Local Schools placed a $59 million bond issue on the ballot to fund the construction of a new high school and repurpose the current high school into a junior high. The plan aims to modernize learning spaces to meet current curriculum and technology.
The district is covering additional costs through a mix of general fund cash and a certificate of participation loan to minimize taxpayer burden.
More information can be found HERE.
Highland Local Schools placed a 7.4-mill emergency Operating Levy on the ballot to generate $9.9 million annually for 10 years. The funds would have supported daily operations, including staff, transportation, utilities, and security.
Rising costs have led to a projected budget deficit in 2025, and without the levy, significant cuts may now be necessary, according to school officials. If passed, it would have cost homeowners $259 per $100,000 of property value annually.
More information can be found HERE.
PORTAGE COUNTY
The Ravenna School District placed a 5-year, $2.75 million emergency operating levy (Issue 12) on the ballot. The levy will help maintain daily operations, retain staff, reinstate programs and enhance extracurricular activities.
According to district officials, without this funding, the district would have faced significant financial challenges that could have impacted student success and community stability.
More information can be found HERE.
The Streetsboro City Schools Board of Education placed a 5-mill operating levy on the May 6 ballot as Issue 13. If approved, the levy would have generated about $3.9 million annually to support academic programs and operational expenses. Homeowners would have paid $175 per $100,000 of assessed property value.
More information can be found HERE.
SUMMIT COUNTY
Mogadore Local Schools placed an $804,000 emergency levy on the ballot for six years to avoid an operating deficit. This levy will cost homeowners $17.30 per month or $208 per year per $100,000 of property value (5.93 mills).
It will now help maintain academic and extracurricular programs, staffing levels and prevent further cuts, such as eliminating advanced placement courses or extracurricular activities like sports, theater and music. The levy's failure could have resulted in increased state oversight and reduced services, including busing and extracurricular opportunities.
More information can be found HERE.
The Nordonia Schools 5-mill operating levy was on the ballot, seeking to address rising costs and maintain the quality of education in the district. The levy will result in an $8.75 monthly increase for every $100,000 of appraised property value, with a total increase of 3 mills due to 2 mills expiring.
If the levy had failed, the district could have faced budget deficits, leading to larger class sizes, program cuts, and reduced support for students. It would also have impacted the district's ability to address over $59 million in needed repairs for aging facilities.
More information can be found HERE.
The Twinsburg City School District placed a $97 million bond levy on the ballot for facility improvements, including a new PK-6 elementary school and upgrades to athletic facilities.
The bond would have been repaid over 36 years with a 3.84 mill rate, costing about $135 annually per $100,000 of appraised property value. The project aimed to address aging buildings, enhance safety, and improve athletic resources.
The Springfield Local School District is placing two levy renewals on the May 6 ballot. These levies, which have supported the district's operations for over 25 years, include a renewal for current expenses and one to address emergency requirements, totaling $1.6 million.
If not renewed, the district could have faced cuts to elementary music, middle school art, STEM programs, and extracurricular activities, including sports.
More information can be found HERE.
OTHER COUNTIES