Issue 53 - SCS Operating Levy
Since 2019, the last time Strongsville City Schools had a on the ballot, the Auditor of State has established new guidelines with regard to school levies and how information can be shared from Ohio school districts to local communities for ballot issues. It is important that Strongsville City Schools provides the facts for upcoming ballot issues.
The information highlighted on this page is intended to assist our community members in making an informed decision.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ISSUE 53
What is the SCS Operating Levy (Issue 53) on the November 5 ballot?
Strongsville City Schools seeks a 4.9 mill continuous operating levy on November's ballot.
How much revenue will Issue 53 generate for SCS?
Issue 53 will generate approximately $9.2 million per year for our District.
Will Issue 53 keep our District financially stable?
Yes. SCS has worked extremely hard to maintain financial stability and extend the budget through effective financial stewardship. Issue 53 allows Strongsville City Schools to maintain financial stability through the 2028-29 school year.
How is Issue 53 different from past levies on the ballot?
This operating levy (Issue 53) replaces the 2019 renewal levy for SCS. This is not an ask for "new" money, rather it replaces the 2019 levy that expires at the end of 2024 - and at a lesser rate.
Why the decision for a continuous levy vs. a renewal levy?
The need for the dollars will remain as expenditures continue to increase. Strongsville is one of the only school districts in Cuyahoga County with multiple renewal levies providing funding for the District. These renewal levies overlap every 2 years. Instead of placing renewal levies on the ballot with such frequency - it costs our District approximately $40,000 for every issue placed on a ballot - this would allow our taxpayers to maintain an opportunity to vote on one renewal levy every five years.
Is the District maintaining a large cash balance?
At the close of fiscal year 2024, the ending cash balance within the general operating fund was $51.3 million. During fiscal year 2023, through the work and recommendation of the District’s Finance Committee (a group comprised of local community members and business professionals), the Board of Education adopted a new cash balance reserve policy to address minimums and maximums within the general operating fund. During the adoption of the policy, the Board approved a general operating fund transfer of $25 million to a capital projects fund for future capital projects. The District’s Cash Balance Reserve Policy can be found at https://tinyurl.com/CBRPolicy.
The general operating fund budget five year forecast for fiscal year 2025 was presented at the September 26, 2024 Board of Education meeting with the following: estimated revenues of $91.7 million (if Issue 53 passes) and estimated expenditures of $92.2 million. This equates to estimated revenues under estimated expenditures of $0.5 million. For additional information on these budget details, CLICK HERE for the Treasurer’s Department page on our District’s website and click on “Financial Reports.”
How does the recent Cuyahoga County reappraisal affect the funding generated by Issue 53? Will the county valuation update increase the amount of money generated by the passage of this levy?
Under the current valuations, the 4.9 mills will generate about $9.2 million for our District's Operating Budget. When the new valuations go into effect on January 1, 2025, House Bill 920 will go into effect immediately to lower the effective rate of the 4.9 mill levy and ensure our District collects $9.2 million. CLICK HERE for additional information regarding HB 920.
What has the District invested in, utilizing proceeds from the operating levy (approved in May 2019), as well as other District resources?
Click on each 'plus' sign below to see the details for each (Academics, Arts, Athletics, Well-Being, Financial).
What if I have additional questions about Issue 53?
Click HERE to submit additional questions about Issue 53 (SCS Operating Levy on the November ballot)
QUICK FACTS & HELPFUL RESOURCES
Strongsville City Schools is seeking a 4.9 mill continuous operating levy on the November 5, 2024 ballot. This levy will generate approximately $9.2 million annually for the District and will ensure financial stability through the 2028-29 school year.
Investment for Homeowners With the Passage of Issue 53:
Per Year = $171.50 per $100,000 of current auditor-assessed value
Per Month = $14.30 per $100,000 of current auditor-assessed value
Per Week = $3.30 per $100,000 of current auditor-assessed value
Click HERE for Cuyahoga County's Property Tax Estimator/Calculator
Are you Registered to Vote?
Click HERE to Confirm Voter Registration
Click HERE to Register to Vote (* You MUST Register by October 7 to Vote in the November 5, 2024 election)
What if I have additional questions about Issue 53?
Click HERE to submit additional questions about Issue 53 (SCS Operating Levy on the November ballot)