Euclid Needs to Approve Issue 27

Submitted by the - Citizens For Euclid Schools Committee

Issue 27 is an 8.7 mill operating issue on the March 17, 2020 ballot. Its passage is essential for the Euclid City School district to continue providing the academics, the career-technical education, and the arts and extracurricular activities needed for college and careers. Passage will also ensure the retention of quality faculty and administrators, as well as sustain and maintain our neighborhoods through improved property values.

Here are the facts worth knowing.

1. Issue 27 allows the District to continue its academic progress.

Euclid’s High School’s 4-year graduation rate has increased by five percent.  More than 93% of our third graders met the Third Grade Reading Guarantee requirements. The State reports that our students’ academic performance has improved for each of the last four years. Students needing academic help are closing the gap and catching up rapidly, Shoreview Elementary and Arbor Elementary have been designated as High Progress Schools of Honor.

Euclid City Schools increased one full letter grade on last year’s State Report Card. And although we’re proud of this accomplishment, those who fully understand this grading system believe it is flawed as it penalizes communities with lower median household incomes. Communities such as ours. Knowing this, Cleveland.com looked at the Report Card from a different perspective with the intent to highlight the districts that were beating the economic trends. According to their findings, Euclid schools ranked ahead of South Euclid-Lyndhurst, Cleveland Heights-University Heights, Shaker Heights, Richmond Heights, Berea, Bedford, Willoughby-Eastlake, Garfield Heights, Mentor, Maple Heights, Kirtland and Strongsville. And are ranked just behind the districts of Independence, Hudson, Kenston and Orange.

2. The District’s administration is fiscally responsible and transparent.

The District has received Ohio Auditor of State Award with Distinction for financial management three years in a row (2017, 2018, 2019). All Monthly and Annual Financial Reports as well as financial and performance audit reports and forecasts are available for viewing on the District’s website (http://www.euclidschools.org/Finance1.aspx). Due to the levy failures in November 2018 and November 2019, the administration has made significant cuts, including busing, teachers and administrators. Failure to pass Issue 27 on March 17 will lead to even more cuts that will negatively affect our students’ academic growth and progress. Those will include cuts to faculty and administration personnel, and athletics, music and arts programs.

3. Issue 27 is fair to taxpayers.

Issue 27 will not replace all the dollars lost with the defeat of the renewal levy in 2018 (the District has been operating with less funding, while inflation continues to rise). Issue 27 will cost property owners a little more than $4 per week for a $75,000 home. In 2016, voters approved Issue 111, a bond issue to rebuild our high school and middle schools and create an Early Learning Village for pre-K and Kindergarten learners. By law, school districts can only use bond issue funds for school construction.  Issue 27 is an operating issue and will provide our schools with the day-to-day funds and resources needed to continue academic growth and fully utilize the new buildings provided by the bond issue.

The passage of Issue 27 allows our District to continue its academic progress, keeps Euclid’s property values improving, and sustains and maintains our neighborhoods. Let’s build a stronger community for all of us by voting YES on Issue 27 on or before March 17, 2020.

www.citizensforeuclidschools.org

Jane Steger

20 year resident of Euclid who wants to see our city grow and prosper thru strong and effective schools.

Read More on Euclid Schools
Volume 11, Issue 3, Posted 5:25 PM, 03.09.2020