Schools

Former Board Member Backs Middle School Plan

Dave Gusman said district bought land next to high school for that very reason

Former School Board member Dave Gusman has thrown his support behind next to Strongsville High School, saying that's the reason the district bought a 17-acre parcel there a few years ago.

Gusman, who didn't seek re-election last fall, said he proposed putting a bond issue on the ballot to pay for a new middle school several times in recent years.

"I couldn't get any traction with the idea when I was there," he said. "But I think this is the best way to approach the voters -- without a big tax increase."

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Gusman said the district purchased a wooded parcel behind , next to the school bus garage, about six years ago with the intention of eventually building a new middle school there.

The to put a $72 million bond issue on the ballot this November that would pay to build a new middle school and also make improvements to other school buildings.

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The new issue would take the place of bonds that are being paid off, meaning most residents would see a minimal increase in their property taxes -- about $8 a year for every $100,000 in home valuation.

Proponents of the plan -- Councilmen Jim Carbone and Matt Schonhut and school board member Carl Naso -- said the savings from consolidating the two middle schools, as well as possibly closing an elementary school, could offset the need to seek an operating levy in a few years.

"I think this is the way to go," Gusman said. "It allows us to raise a large amount of money without raising taxes."

Tonight's meeting is set for 6:30.


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