W-E Schools looks to pass renewal levy to sustain stability

Willoughby-Eastlake Schools is asking 45,374 registered voters to approve a five-year, 4.71-mill renewal levy in the May 8 Primary Election.

The 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.

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 May 8 issue is a renewal levy, it will not require an increase in taxes.

The levy would continue to cost taxpayers $164.85 annually per $100,000 of property valuation.

According to W-E Schools Superintendent Steve Thompson, for the district to continue to receive about 8 percent of its budget, the levy must be renewed every five years.

The superintendent noted that funds from the levy are used for instructional purposes and if it fails to pass, classroom instruction, course offerings and daily operations of the district would be impacted. Passage of the levy would mean the revenue received by the district will remain constant, educational programming will continue at its current level and taxpayers will not see an increase in their taxes.

“The stability of the district hinges on levy renewals,” Thompson said.

“It is my hope that our community will continue to support the students of the district and vote yes for Issue 2.”