Deep Cuts To Strongsville Schools Possible, Superintendent Says

STRONGSVILLE, OH — At a Board of Education meeting on Thursday night, Strongsville Schools Superintendent Cameron Ryba discussed the sweeping cuts that would need to be made in the school district should the May 2019 levy and future levies fail.

"We are in challenging times. We are talking about tearing down our district, when we should be focused on building and growing it for our students," Ryba said in an email to parents.

Ryba has already discussed the $1.1 million in cuts planned, and on Thursday he outlined what future contractions and budget slashing could mean for Strongsville Schools.

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The Phase II cuts (totaling about $3.2 million, would go into effect if the May 2019 levy fails at the ballot box) would include: the elimination of three more sports teams and 12 clubs, reductions in theatrical performances, the elimination of some field trips and travel for any Strongsville High groups, no upgrades or replacements for technology or text books, an administrative pay freeze and staff reductions.

Should another levy fail, Phase III reductions (totaling about $5 million) would go into effect. Ryba said these cuts would mean: the elimination of all 7th-9th grade sports and musical performances, elimination of multiple classes, larger class sizes, further cuts to the busing system, and deep cuts for the district's staff.

"Yet, as painful as these decisions are for me to make and as difficult as it is for all of us to endure the possible ramifications of these decisions, I have never been more optimistic about our future. I believe in you, our parents and our community. I believe that we can find success in May due to the care, passion, and love that so many have for the children of our community and our school district," he added.

The Phase I reduction plan will go into effect regardless of the May 2019 levy passing or failing. The district said that it will cut its budget by $1.1 million, leading to:

• The reduction of three 8th grade sports teams
• The indefinite delay of textbook adoption
• Smaller budgets for school departments
• Reduction of staff work days and the elimination of some departments
• Fewer Strongsville schools and parochial transportation routes
• Reduction of funding for curricular and student resources, and educational support
• Shrinking the certified and support staff at Strongsville Middle School and Strongsville High School

On the personnel side, Strongsville High will lose one full-time guidance counselor, an aide position, a contracted social worker, and one monitor. The Strongsville Schools will eliminate the Publications Clerk department, and let go of the publications clerk. The Middle School will also lose an aide.

Ryba's presentation from the Board of Education meeting can be found online. The outline of Phase I, II, and III reductions was also shared online.

Critics of the district have said many of the proposed cuts seem "reasonable." Several Facebook users also complained that the district did not "catch" its former maintenance worker stealing items from schools sooner.

Here were some of the top comments critical of the district's spending.