Sylvania Schools board says levy failed, pledges review and community engagement

The Sylvania Schools Board of Education opened its May 11 meeting by addressing last week’s failed levy and telling the community the board will review the district’s financial outlook and pursue transparent next steps.

The Chair read a prepared statement thanking residents for voting and engaging in the debate, and said the board respects the result. “While the levy did not pass, we respect the outcome and appreciate the many perspectives that shaped this result,” the Chair said. The statement added: “We would like the community to know that we are listening,” and warned that “we do have some very tough decisions to make in the near future.”

Why it matters: the levy result leaves an unresolved budget gap that prompted the board to signal a period of fiscal evaluation. The Chair said the board will consider options for the district’s finances “always with our students and community at the center of those decisions.”

Board members did not announce specific cuts or program changes at the meeting. The Chair said the board is “carefully reflecting on the results” and will work with staff to develop next steps and communicate them to the public.

The meeting later moved into an executive session to discuss the employment of a public employee; the Chair said no action would be taken immediately after executive session.

What’s next: the board said it will continue community engagement over the coming months as it evaluates budget options and programming implications of the failed levy.