UPDATE: Voters in Parma, Parma Heights, and Seven Hills have decisively rejected a crucial school operating levy, marking a significant setback for local education funding. On Election Day, results for Issue 49 indicated that 12,097 residents (or 57.59%) voted against the levy, while only 8,907 (or 42.41%) supported it, according to final, unofficial counts from the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections.
This defeat mirrors a similar outcome from six months ago when voters turned down a tax increase by a staggering 20% margin. The proposed levy would have cost homeowners roughly $20.13 monthly for a 10-year period, generating approximately $23,131,939 annually for the Parma City Schools, funding operations through 2030.
Parma City Schools Superintendent Scott Hunt expressed disappointment but noted that the results were not entirely unexpected. “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.”
The rejection of this levy raises urgent questions about the school district’s financial future. Hunt emphasized the need for immediate discussions about potential budget cuts and program adjustments. “We’re still in the same boat financially,” he said. “Now we have to have those hard discussions in December through March when we start doing staffing and budgeting.”
The district last passed a new money operating levy in 2011, with similar proposals failing in 2017 and 2018. Given the current financial landscape, Hunt warned that the situation won’t improve by the next election cycle. “The finances aren’t going to look any better in May than they do right now,” he added.
As for the Parma City Schools Board of Education elections, three candidates—Leah Euerle (8,442 votes), Nick Reyes (8,240 votes), and Tammie Sebastian (8,169 votes)—ran unopposed for the available positions. Board members earn $125 per meeting, with a maximum of $5,000 annually.
This latest defeat sends a clear message to local leaders about the challenges ahead in securing funding for educational initiatives. As discussions around budget adjustments commence, the community’s educational future remains uncertain, raising concerns among parents, students, and educators alike.
Stay tuned as we continue to follow this developing story and its implications for Parma City Schools.
