School Levy Will Appear On Lakewood Ballots In March

LAKEWOOD, OH — This week, the Lakewood Board of Education unanimously approved placing a 3.9 mill operating and 1 mill permanent improvement levy on March 2020 ballots. Superintendent Michael Barnes said the levy would cost taxpayers "less than $2 a month more than they currently pay" based on a property valuation of $100,000.

"Due to sound financial practices and restructuring and refinancing of existing debt, the new issue will not change the current tax rate, but will be a small tax increase because of a law change," Barnes said in a letter to the community.

Lakewood Schools officials said they have not asked for additional funding since May 2013. However, expenditures are expected to outpace revenue starting in 2020, prompting the return to Lakewood ballots. Barnes said with the district set to begin deficit spending, it's time the community look ahead.

"Our district is strong in our academics, programs, and our facilities. We want to keep it that way and build on our successes," Barnes wrote.

Barnes said levy funds would be used to maintain all district buildings, athletic fields, vehicles and other assets, expand early childhood programs, provide mental health services for elementary students, recruit and retain teachers, keep technology and learning materials up-to-date and expand career and technical opportunities for middle and high school students.