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What Do I Need to Know About the Levy? | |
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What's Happened Since the Last Levy? | |
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Endorsements | |
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How Can I Get Involved? | |
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Coming Events | |
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Links |
What Do I Need To Know About The Levy?
To learn more about the proposed levy, click on any of the questions below:
To download a printed version of this material - click here.
The cost per pupil for students in the Chagrin Falls School District is notably lower that those of other local school districts.
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FY2005 |
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FY2006 |
Beachwood |
$17,763 |
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$17,368 |
Orange |
$16,344 |
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$17,518 |
Shaker Heights |
$14,127 |
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$15,103 |
Independence |
$11,123 |
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$12,573 |
Mayfield |
$11,680 |
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$12,052 |
Solon |
$11,038 |
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$11,125 |
Chagrin Falls |
$10,984 |
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$10,746 |
Kenston |
$ 9,801 |
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$ 9,910 |
West Geauga |
$ 9,189 |
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$ 9,009 |
How do we compare to other local schools in academic performance?
Chagrin Falls schools produce superior results for notably lower per pupil spending (see previous question)
2006/2007 State Performance Index Score |
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Solon |
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108.6 |
Chagrin Falls |
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108.2 |
Kenston |
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105.7 |
Beachwood |
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105.0 |
Independence |
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103.5 |
West Geauga |
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103.3 |
Orange |
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103.0 |
Mayfield |
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100.3 |
Why don't property taxes for schools rise with inflation?
A state law known as House Bill 920, enacted in 1976, prevents an increase in tax revenues to schools when property values rise . What this means is that over time, when your home gains more value, the school district does not also gain the taxes on the increase.
When inflation causes property values to increase, state law (House Bill 920) requires the auditor to cut the school tax rate so schools do not receive more money from existing levies .
Under House Bill 920, schools do get more money from taxes generated on new construction, but there is very little new construction in the Chagrin district.
House Bill 920 applies only to school taxes.
The last operating levy was passed in 2003, for 7.9 mills. That operating levy was planned to meet our operating budget for four years (2004-2007), and it has. This new levy is also planned to last four years (2008-2011). Chagrin Falls has been on a 2-4 year operating levy cycle dating back to the 1980's.
It is neither a renewal nor a replacement levy. This is an additional levy for general operating purposes – for a continuing period of time (no expiration). All of the operating levies that have been approved in the Chagrin Falls School District have been for continuous periods of time.
A 7.9 mill-operating levy will cost a homeowner $242 per year for every $100,000 of appraised value. For example, a homeowner with a house appraised at $250,000 would spend an additional $605 per year, or about $50 per month.
Collections on this tax increase would not occur until January 2008.
Over the last two years, the district has reduced spending through:
Because the operating levy request failed in May 2007, a salary schedule freeze was agreed upon between the Board of Education and the certificated and classified unions (including administrators). In addition, over $800,000 in additional reductions was implemented, including the reduction of staff and the elimination of programs and activities.
Chagrin schools will need to cut an additional $1.6 million from the 2008/09 school budget if the November levy does not pass.
Why did the Board of Education initially place the operating levy on the ballot in May, rather than waiting until the general election in November?
The school district's fiscal year runs from July 1 through June 30. Appropriations for the school year must be approved by July 1. The May ballot provided the district the opportunity to plan for personnel and programs for the upcoming school year (as the new school year showed a projected $938,000 budget deficit). As a result of the levy failure, district expenditures had to be reduced to ensure that the fiscal year (ending June 30, 2008) would not end with a deficit.
Why does the school district collect more taxes at the start of the four year levy cycle than the district actually needs at that time?
Because HB 920 effectively puts the school district on a fixed income for four years (assuming a 4 year levy cycle), the district needs to save money over the first two years in order to have sufficient funds over the last two years of the four year levy cycle.
When was the last bond issue passed?
A bond issue was passed in 2005. The money from this bond issue has been used to update the infrastructure and technology within the high school and Intermediate School; provide a new stadium field for multiple athletic events and practices; and build a new performing arts center, which will be completed this summer. The Ohio Revised Code prohibits funds from the bond issue be used for general operating expenses.
How much does the district receive in state funding (per pupil)?
The district receives $885 per pupil (FY 2007). The State of Ohio's funding formula is to provide each district $5,403 per pupil, but the amount Chagrin Schools actually receives from the state is greatly reduced due to the high wealth property valuation in our district.
How is the District controlling costs?
What are unfunded mandates, and how do they affect the Chagrin Falls Schools?
A mandate is a requirement. The state and/or federal government creates mandates for local districts like ours. Some examples are: standardized testing, special education, gifted services, and intervention programs. Our school district MUST comply with any mandates.
Many current programs/madates were once funded by the State of Ohio. Due to the State's budget reductions, many of the costs for these mandatory programs are now the burden of the local school districts.
So although our school district is expected and "mandated" to comply, we are not given the financial assistance to do so. This has increased the financial burden for all school districts, as funds must be allocated to continue (or expand) these services without State funding.
How do we know that the school district uses its funds appropriately?
Wasn't the school funding system in Ohio ruled unconstitutional by the Ohio Supreme Court?
Yes, the school funding system in Ohio was ruled unconstitutional, per the 1997 DeRolph Ohio Supreme Court ruling.
However, despite several court updates and minor legislative changes, the system remains the same.
Until the Ohio legislature makes the substantial changes identified in the court case to ensure all Ohio school districts receive fair and adequate funding for education, our current system is unlikely to change and our district residents will continue to be required to assume the lead role in supporting our local schools.
If the operating levy passes in November, will all programs and personnel affected by recent budget reductions be reinstated?
All of the recent budget reductions will be re-evaluated; however there are practical issues with reinstating programs and hiring personnel during the middle of the school year.