UPDATE: Voters in Parma, Parma Heights, and Seven Hills have decisively rejected the school district’s new operating levy, sending a clear message once again on Election Day. The final, unofficial results from the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections show 12,097 votes (57.59%) against the levy, compared to 8,907 votes (42.41%) in favor.
The proposed 6.9-mil operational levy, labeled as Issue 49, would have cost homeowners approximately $20.13 per month, generating an estimated $23,131,939 annually to fund essential programs through 2030. This marks the second defeat for the Parma City Schools’ funding appeals in just six months, reflecting ongoing financial concerns.
Superintendent Scott Hunt expressed disappointment but acknowledged the outcome was anticipated. “I’m not surprised we didn’t make it through,” he stated. “It’s usually difficult on the first try.” He noted that a dedicated steering committee has been advocating for the levy since his arrival in July, demonstrating the community’s effort to secure additional funding.
In light of this setback, Hunt emphasized the need for urgent discussions regarding budget adjustments. “We’re going to have to talk about what adjustments need to be made because we’re still in the same boat financially,” he cautioned. The district will face challenging decisions between December and March regarding staffing levels and program cuts while striving to maintain essential services.
This levy failure comes after a similar attempt was turned down by residents in both 2017 and 2018. With no new operating levy passed since 2011, the financial strain on Parma City Schools continues to escalate. Hunt stated, “The finances aren’t going to look any better in May than they do right now,” indicating a potential repeat of the levy proposal in the upcoming spring ballot.
In addition to the levy vote, the race for the Parma City Schools Board of Education saw three candidates running unopposed for three available seats: Leah Euerle (8,442 votes), Nick Reyes (8,240 votes), and Tammie Sebastian (8,169 votes). Board members earn $125 per meeting, with a maximum annual compensation of $5,000.
As the community processes this significant electoral outcome, residents and officials must brace for the financial implications and the hard discussions ahead. The urgency to address budgetary constraints has never been greater, and the path forward remains uncertain.
Stay tuned for updates as the situation develops and the Parma City Schools navigate these challenging times.
