Mayfield Schools Leaders Campaigning for Levy

The Board of Education had a special meeting Thursday to talk about finances, particularly relating to the 5.9 mill levy on the March 6 ballot.

At the meeting, which also included a closed-door executive session about personnel, Superintendent Philip Price said he's been talking to athletic boosters and other groups to answer questions about the levy.

The 5.9 mill levy would raise $7.8 million annually and cost homeowners $180.68 for each $100,000 of property valuation. The levy request is split – 5.4 mills for operating expenses and 0.5 mills for permanent improvements. The district's last levy, for 6.9 mills, was approved by voters in 2008.

Price said the biggest problem will be getting people to the polling places, especially if the Republican presidential nominee has been decided.

"The greatest challenge is getting people voting. It always is in an early primary," he said. "You have a lower turnout."

Treasurer Scott Snyder said one message that has been resonating with the public has been that the district ranks 22nd in total tax millage among the 31 school systems in Cuyahoga County. The district is tied for 21st with East Cleveland at 40.19 mills, according to the Ohio Department of Taxation.

"I think that when we show them the tax rate, people see the value," Snyder said, adding that Bay Village and Chagrin Falls are the only other districts that have been rated "excellent with distinction" on the last three state report cards.

School board member George Hughes noted that some residents of the school district might think they're paying more money because of per pupil costs.

"They (other districts) may be spending less per student, but their tax rate is higher," Hughes said.

Snyder added that the need for the levy is not related to the current construction projects going on throughout the district.

"Those improvements have already been paid for," he said. "That was part of the 2008 campaign."