We've received several questions about Issue 19 on the ballot for the May 6th Primary Election, so we're providing you with the frequently asked questions. Issue 19 represents the first request for new operating funds from Elyria Schools in 15 years. Here’s some information about Issue 19.
What is on the May 6 ballot?
The Elyria City Schools Board of Education on Jan. 8th voted to place Issue 19 on the ballot. It’s a 10-year, 4.9-mill emergency levy that, if approved, would raise $6.4 million per year to fund the district’s operations.
What does this issue fund?
The levy would provide $6.4 million per year in operating dollars to help the district continue paying for teachers, support staff, technology and classroom tools for the more than 6,000 Elyria students that attend Elyria Schools. From core academic to career-tech courses; design-engineering programs like robotics; performing arts clubs; honors programs; and sports, the Elyria City School District will also use levy dollars to continue funding the programs, training and activities that provide the skills needed for futures and enrichment.
How much will these issues cost property owners?
The levy would cost property owners within the district about $14 per month per $100,000 of county auditor appraised value.
Why are the schools on the ballot now?
By law, Ohio school districts must provide their communities with two, five-year financial forecasts each year. ECSD’s most recent forecast stated that the district would exhaust its reserves by 2029. Rising expenses and declining state aid also contribute to this outlook. Because the district only asks for what it needs, this levy represents the first request for new funding in 15 years. Many school districts in Northeast Ohio make such requests every three to five years.
What happens without this levy?
Without the levy, the Elyria City School District would need to cut at least $6 million dollars from its operating budget, which would force the district to eliminate programs, reduce transportation and cut staffing. If voters reject the levy, the district will exhaust its reserves by 2029, given inflation and declining state funding.
What is an emergency levy?
An emergency levy is a fixed-sum levy placed on election ballots by school districts in order to generate a specific amount of revenue each year it is in effect. Such levies can be proposed for a maximum of 10 years. Emergency levies may be renewed for the dollar amount originally requested or with an increase or decrease.
I read that schools in Lorain County would see a funding increase as part of the next phase of Ohio’s Fair School Funding plan. Can’t the district use those funds instead of a levy?
Although the phase-in has gotten media attention amid recent state budget discussions, the increases are not new. They are part of the six-year phase-in that has already been factored into Elyria City Schools’ five-year forecast, which district Treasurer Colleen Aholt presented in November 2024.
Will the district see increased revenue from the recent property tax reappraisals?
Yes, but it should be noted that this revenue is not new; it was included in the district's forecast as part of the preparation for the state’s triennial update. Because this growth has been accounted for in our projections, it does not change the district’s financial reality or need for funding to continue preparing Elyria students for the future.
How have Elyria City Schools managed taxpayer dollars in the past?
Elyria City Schools has cut costs to stretch the budget for years, including streamlining low-attendance programs and restructuring administrative positions, and refinancing bonds, which has saved taxpayers over $1 million. The district takes measures to ensure that it is operating as efficiently as possible, such as regularly performing transportation audits for full routes. ECS has also been recognized for its fiscal responsibility, earning 20+ consecutive clean audit awards from the Auditor of State. The district has also received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association every year since 1998.
How do students at Elyria City Schools perform compared to other, similar school districts in Ohio?
Students at Elyria City Schools typically outperform students from similarly sized school districts in similar environments on standardized tests and are well-equipped with the skills needed for college and/or careers. ECS offers more than 200 academic, arts, and sports clubs and teams at the high school level to further our students' education and enrich their experience by creating opportunities to build leadership, teamwork, critical thinking, and other skills.
Please feel free to reach out the Elyria Schools Communications Office at 440-284-8203 if you have any questions.
