Final Results In: School Levy Approved

Voters have approved a 6-mill renewal levy for the Strongsville schools, averting cuts in busing, athletics and other programs.

Issue 14 passed Tuesday 7,227 to 6,410, according to unofficial results from the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections.

"The real winners today are our kids," Superintendent Jeff Lampert said. "We thank the voters for their trust."

The issue will run for the next five years, generating $7.6 million a year. The revenue accounts for about 11 percent of the school district's operating budget.

Had it failed, the district had one more chance to get it approved -- in August -- before . 

School Treasurer Bill Parkinson cautions, though, that the renewal approved Tuesday won't keep the district out of the red for long -- by fiscal year 2014, projections show a $2 million deficit.

"We still have to look for new money," Parkinson said.