Brooklyn, Parma, And Strongsville To Vote On School Operating Levies

Early in-person voting for the May 7 primary began April 9 at the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections. 

Voters in some communities are deciding on new school district funding issues. Brooklyn City Schools is seeking an additional 10-year levy to cover operating costs “for the purpose of avoiding an operating deficit.” Strongsville City Schools’ five-year levy would fund current expenses.

Parma City Schools is asking for a $9.2 million levy renewal for operating costs after two failed attempts at new levies last year. Superintendent Charles Smialek said the owner of a home valued at $100,000 would pay $10.72 a month.

He’s hopeful this levy renewal will pass and said the reason previous levies failed is that voters wanted the district to consolidate school buildings and be fiscally responsible. 

“Parma is well known for having some fiscal issues in the recent past,” Smialek said. “While we have absolutely turned the tide and are maintaining a strong record of fiscal responsibility at this point we understand that some wounds are still open.”

Earlier this year, the Parma school board approved the elimination of 14 administrative positions in the central office in order to reallocate $920,000 in salaries toward new positions.

“We are really working within our budget to maximize a positive experience for our students in our schools. That was the reason for the reallocation of personnel from the central office,” said Smialek.  

The superintendent said he is currently holding community meetings for input on the best way to consolidate school buildings.