City Council Supports School Levy, But Not Without Controversy

City Council's support of the school district's 6-mill renewal levy was marred by some controversy Monday.

The resolution of support -- typically a routine matter for city councils -- passed 6-1, with Councilman at large Duke Southworth objecting because it would .

"We're talking about a forever levy and that I have a problem with," Southworth said.

Ward 3 Councilman Mark Roth said he would vote in favor "for the children," but questioned both the continuing term of the levy and the school district's efforts to pare down what he called a top-heavy administration.

And resident Bruce Lockhart of Abigail Lane challenged the notion of a city council as a body supporting a levy for a governmental entity it does not control.

"It's wrong," Lockhart told council members.

Ward 4 Councilman Scott Maloney, a former Strongsville school board member, said it is common for councils to pass resolutions of support for school levies and said it is in the city's best interests to maintain a good school system.

"We have to protect that," Maloney said, adding that the ongoing collection would break the "repeated cycle" of having to ask voters for money.

Issue 15 would continue to generate about $7.5 million a year to help operate the schools. It represents about 10 percent of the district's budget.

Because it is a renewal, it would not raise taxes.

Superintendent Jeff Lampert spoke briefly before council voted to emphasize the schools' role in a community.

"Quality schools do affect quality of life," Lampert said.

School board member Carl Naso did not speak at Monday's council meeting, but attended along with Lampert. He said the district has cut $10 million from its budget in the last four years, including .

In that same time, the district has grappled with $9 million in funding cuts, as well as rising fuel and food costs due to inflation.

If the 6-mill levy is not renewed, school officials say cuts are likely in busing, extracurriculars, course offerings, food service and the gifted program.