Schools Debate Reducing Size of Levy if 9.9-Mill Issue Fails in May

A quirk in election filing deadlines puts Strongsville School Board members in the ticklish position of having to decide the size of a levy on the August ballot before knowing if the issue passes or fails in May.

The situation prompted School Board President Jennifer Sinisgalli to already suggest reducing the size of the , although other board members said that would mean certain death for the issue on the May 3 ballot.

Sinisgalli said she has heard many people say they want to support the schools, but can't afford the 9.9-mill issue.

"I have to wonder if the board would consider reducing the millage for August," Sinisgalli said at a work session Thursday.

But board member Dave Gusman said that would doom the issue's first ballot try.

"Then there's no way it would pass in May," Gusman said.

The touchy situation stems from timing. The deadline to put an issue on the Aug. 2 special election ballot is May 4 -- the day after the May 3 primary.

But the school board has to take two separate votes to put an issue on the ballot, meaning members have to set the millage within the next week or two.

Board member Carl Naso said he wants to stick with 9.9 mills because that's how much the district needs.

"I haven't seen one scenario that's workable below that (9.9-mill) level," Naso said.

If the 9.9-mill levy fails in May, board members have already said they would seek another ballot try in August and, if necessary, in November. The board is also discussing what cuts it will make next school year.

Officials said the district must reduce the budget by $4 million regardless of whether the levy passes. If the levy is not approved by August, another $4.5 million in cuts must be made before the start of the school year, Superintendent Jeff Lampert said.

The school board is expected to meet next week to discuss an August ballot issue.