Garfield Heights discusses renewal levy crucial for school funding stability

Garfield Heights City Schools is seeking to renew a crucial levy that significantly impacts local funding for education. During the regular board meeting on March 17, 2025, officials discussed the importance of this renewal, which amounts to approximately $5.35 million for the district. The levy renewal, set at 9.83 mills, will not increase taxes for residents, as it is simply a continuation of existing funding.

Currently, 56% of property taxes collected from Garfield Heights residents go to the school district, a figure that is notably higher than in many other communities in Ohio. This places Garfield Heights as the sixth highest tax district in the state, while also being one of the poorest in terms of school funding. The district's financial challenges stem not only from property taxes but also from burdensome taxes related to city and charter schools.

If the levy is not renewed, residents could face a significant financial impact. The board highlighted that failing to renew would mean the community would have to cover the entire cost of a new levy in the future, rather than the current arrangement where the state contributes 12.5% through rollback and homestead exemptions. This could result in a minimal monthly savings of around $20 for homeowners, which pales in comparison to the potential costs of a new levy.

The board emphasized that this renewal is essential for maintaining operational funding without asking for new money, a strategy the district has successfully implemented for the past 13 years. The renewal is positioned as a necessary step to ensure continued support for local education, allowing the district to operate effectively without increasing the financial burden on residents.

As the community prepares for the upcoming vote, the board urges residents to consider the implications of the levy renewal on the quality of education in Garfield Heights.