Garfield Heights board approves resolution to place 10‑year renewal levy on May ballot amid fiscal concerns

The Garfield Heights City School District Board of Education on Jan. 27 voted unanimously to approve a resolution to place a 10‑year renewal levy on the May 2025 ballot, moving the district one step closer to asking voters to continue funding general operations.

The board approved a resolution “to proceed with the submission … of the question of the renewal of an existing tax levy pursuant to sections 5705.194 to 5705.197 of the Revised Code,” a measure read aloud by a finance staff member during the meeting. The resolution, moved by Ashley Thomas and seconded by Heather Morrison, passed on a 5–0 roll call (Millette King, Heather Morrison, Tendika Cox, Michelle Daniels, Ashley Thomas all voting yes).

Why it matters: district leaders framed the levy as an operational lifeline. The renewal requests $5,350,000 annually for 10 years, estimated by the county fiscal officer to average about 9.63 mills and to cost roughly $337 per $100,000 of taxable value; board discussion and staff statements emphasized that the measure is a renewal, not an increase. Superintendent Dr. Reynolds and finance staff said failure to renew would force difficult choices, including shifting non‑instructional programs to a “pay to play” model and reducing community services supported by the district.

Board discussion and staff analysis

Mr. Oko, a finance staff member who read the ballot language to the board, explained the levy language and estimated tax impact. Dr. Reynolds told the board, “we are committed to our students. And whatever our situation is, we will…