CLEVELAND – Some important taxes across Northeast Ohio passed in the election, approving more funding, saving some large area school districts and their future plans.

Cuyahoga County
Cuyahoga County voters approved the Cleveland Metropolitan School District’s $295 million bond issue by 66% despite recent property reassessments.

Cuyahoga County is one of seven counties that completed new state-mandated reassessments, and homeowners saw their property values ​​increase about 30% on average. Some residents were concerned that the tax could mean an increase of up to $600 annually, on top of reassessments. However, CMSD CEO Dr. Warren Morgan argued that it was better to vote for the tax now rather than later, since it would still use older home values.

“If we were to wait and apply the tax later, then it would apply to the new reassessment rates and would be even higher,” Morgan said.

Summit County
In Summit County, Akron voters voted yes on Issue 27, which approved new school taxes for the first time in 12 years. A $1.3 million bond issue would finance a new $85 million North High School. The district is also moving forward with an operating levy of 7.6 million to pay for daily expenses.

North High leaders believe a new building is needed to replace the 93-year-old school with about 900 students, as they say there have been ongoing problems with roof leaks and tiles falling into classrooms. The tax and bond issuance comes after Akron schools cut $24 million from the budget and eliminated hundreds of jobs, including dozens of teaching positions.

“It’s about the kids and if we want a better community here in Akron, it doesn’t matter if you live on the south or west side of town,” said Frank Kalain, interim principal of North High School. “Wherever it is, we must make sure we take care of our children.”

a close one
In one of the closest school elections in Northeast Ohio, voters approved Twinsburg City Schools’ $107 million bond issue with 51% of voters in favor and 48% against the tax.

Failed
Two failed levies were the Mansfield City School District, with 69% of voters voting no on their levy and 52% voting no on the Avon Lake City Schools levy.

For a complete list of election results, go here.