Lakewood School Levy: Issue 28 Election Results

LAKEWOOD, OH — The 4.9-mill Lakewood School levy was passed by voters on Tuesday, according to the unofficial vote count by Cuyahoga County Board of Elections. The levy appears to have received nearly 77 percent of the vote.

The levy received 7,041 votes for passage and 2,144 votes against passage. According to the board of elections, that means 76.6 percent of votes were cast in favor of the levy.

The Lakewood Schools were asking voters to pass a 3.9 mill levy and 1.0 mill permanent improvement, which district leaders said will cost residents $2 per month on a $100,000 home. The district said a decline in state funding would lead to deficit spending in 2020.

What's the difference between an operating levy and a permanent improvement levy? Here's how the district explained it.

"Money from an operating levy is used for the operation of the school district, including supplies and equipment, essential school programs, teaching staff and services. A permanent improvement levy goes toward any asset with a useful life of five years or more, as determined by the District treasurer, such as technology, equipment, buildings, fields, and vehicles. The Ohio Revised Code states that each type of funding be used for the corresponding purpose," the district said.

Lakewood Mayor Meghan George endorsed the levy and urged residents to support the school district.

"As a third-generation Lakewood resident and proud alumna of Lakewood Schools, I am proud to support Issue 28. I am grateful for the education I received as a student and wish for future Rangers to have that same high-quality experience," she said in a note to the community.