January 7, 2012
Dear Cuyahoga Heights School District Residents:
The Cuyahoga Heights School District has moved past a critical “crossroads” by not passing the November 6.9 mill levy. The school district has lost approximately $1,201,000 in state and local funding this school year and the state has reduced next year’s funding by another $480,000. The district is now implementing critical budget cuts for the rest of this school year and programming cuts for next year.
The Board of Education has placed a new 7.9 mill levy on the March 6, 2012 election. If approved in March, it will not be collected until January 2013. Therefore, the school district has to seek the 7.9 mill levy in order to make up for the additional reduced state and local funding.
The school district budget must be balanced and the administration is taking the necessary steps to ensure a fiscally sound school district with an outstanding educational program. The school district cut approximately $1.8 million from the budget in FY2010 and FY2011 and another $782,000 in operating expenses for the 2011-2012 school year. Additional district efforts, including union contract negotiations and employee health care modifications, are scheduled for this spring. Employees and administrators recognize the importance of curtailing school district operating costs and everyone has pledged to work together to reduce expenses and to implement additional contract concessions.
Approval of this levy and continued cost containment efforts are necessary for maintaining our school district. Please get involved in our levy campaign, support Cuyahoga Heights Schools, and help the school district continue to provide an excellent education for our children.
Please see the attached page that provides an update on the school district issues and the estimated tax increase per property values.
Support Cuyahoga Heights Schools – VOTE YES - March 6, 2012
Yours in Education,
Dr. Edwin S. Holland
Superintendent
