UPDATE: In a critical blow to local education funding, voters in Parma, Ohio, decisively rejected a new operating levy for Parma City Schools on November 7, 2023. The ballot measure, known as Issue 49, was defeated by a staggering 57.59% to 42.41% margin, with 12,097 votes against and 8,907 votes in favor, according to the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections.
This levy, which would have cost homeowners approximately $20.13 per month, aimed to generate $23,131,939 annually to support the district through 2030. The rejection comes just six months after a similar tax increase was also turned down by voters.
Parma City Schools Superintendent Scott Hunt expressed disappointment but was not surprised by the outcome. “I’m not surprised we didn’t make it through,” he stated. “I’ve done this before, and usually on the first try, it’s pretty difficult.” Hunt acknowledged the extensive efforts of the volunteer steering committee advocating for the levy.
“We have a lot of hard discussions ahead,” Hunt continued, highlighting that the district must now reassess its financial strategy amid ongoing budget constraints.
The 10-year, 6.9-mil operational levy was critical for sustaining essential services, but the repeated failures to secure funding have raised alarms within the community. Hunt noted, “Our budget keeps us above our cash reserve policy, but we still need to discuss adjustments. We’re in the same boat financially.”
With no immediate plans for staffing or program cuts, Hunt indicated that tough decisions will be necessary as the district prepares for its budget discussions from December through March. “We have to look at everything from staffing levels to transportation and pay-to-participate programs,” he warned.
As for the potential of placing the levy back on the ballot in the spring, Hunt stated that decision rests with the board of education. “The finances aren’t going to look any better in May than they do right now,” he cautioned.
In other election news, the race for the Parma City Schools Board of Education included three candidates running unopposed for three open seats. Leah Euerle led with 8,442 votes, followed closely by Nick Reyes with 8,240 votes and Tammie Sebastian with 8,169 votes. Board members earn $125 per meeting, capped at $5,000 annually.
As residents grapple with these developments, the focus turns to the future of education funding in Parma. Will the community rally to support its schools in the face of ongoing financial challenges? The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated.
