Euclid Schools seeking levy

8.7-mill, 10-year operating levy failed last November

The Euclid School Board is once again asking residents to support the school district by passing an emergency levy on March 17.

The board is seeking an 8.7-mill, 10-year property tax levy that would raise $5.6 million a year and “provide the schools with funds to provide quality education and build on students’ academic growth.”

If passed, it would cost residential property owners $304 annually per $100,000 of home valuation, according to the Cuyahoga County Auditor’s Office.

Voters rejected the emergency operating levy during the Nov. 5 general election. According to the Cuyahoga County Elections Board, there are 33,010 registered voters in the district. Kurt Moore, the board’s public relations coordinator, said the schools are improving, adding the high school’s graduation rate has increased by five percent.

More than 93 percent of third-graders met the Third Grade Reading Guarantee requirements,” he said. “The state reports that the academic performance of our students has improved for each of the last four years. Students who need academic help are closing the gap and catching up rapidly. Issue 27 will prevent catastrophic cuts that will negatively impact our academic progress.”

Passage of the levy, board officials confirmed, will also maintain the district’s operating budget and prevent further district-wide cuts which have affected athletics, arts, teaching and administrative positions, and transportation.

“Euclid City Schools has (also) earned the Auditor of State Award with Distinction for the third straight year showing that we are being fiscally responsible with our funds,” Moore said. “Issue 27 is good for our property values. Businesses and people will not move to a community that does not invest in its schools.

“In addition, Issue 27 allows our schools to continue providing the academics, career-tech education, arts and extra-curricular activities needed for college and careers. It protects the progress our students and educators have made.” Euclid Superintendent Christopher Papouras echoed Moore’s sentiments, adding passage of the levy is an investment in Euclid’s children, community and future.

“Strong schools protect property values and help maintain neighborhoods,” Papouras said. “Voting for Issue 27 allows the district to continue its academic progress. Without Issue 27, the district will have to, again, make even deeper and painful cuts.”