Cleveland voters are showing strong support for bond issues and school taxes

CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Cleveland voters have passed Issue 49, approving the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) to collect an additional $52 million from the levy each year, along with a total of $250 million in bond funds .

Number 49 was passed with 67% of the votes.

“I’m just so grateful for everyone. I am grateful for their support and this means the work we can do for our scientists,” said CMSD Superintendent Dr. Warren Morgan.

CMSD will receive $295 million from the bond over a period of up to 35 years.

Dr. Warren says these funds will be used to renovate, remodel and expand district buildings and facilities.

“One of the things we’re going to do is have our board meeting tonight. We’ll talk about our five-year forecast and a little bit of the work ahead. In the coming weeks and months we will discuss our long-term planning,” says Dr. Warren.

The levy will focus on strengthening academic programs in science, technology, mathematics, business, communications and the arts.

It will also focus on creating and improving safety and security measures.

He says this is the first time the district has had a combined issue with both the bond and the voting tax.

He believes voters have shown strong support because of the progress Cleveland schools have made over the past year.

“Our district has just become a three-star district. Meeting state standards for the first time in history,” said Dr. Warren.

With Issue 49 passing, property taxes will also increase by more than $300 per year for a $100,000 home.

“The hope and the promise that we talked about, and that is the future of CMSD. A CMSD where it does not matter where a child goes to school. Wherever they live, regardless of their background, they can receive an excellent and equitable education,” said Dr. Warren.

Dr. Warren invites the community to learn more about how the money will be spent at future board meetings.

“One of the things we shared with our board this past year is our long-term planning plan. It is a multi-step plan that not only looks at the programmatic experience for students, but also facilitates it,” says Dr. Warren.

The superintendent says the new funding will help prevent major cuts to the district. He says if it didn’t go through, CMSD would have had to cut another $80 million a year from the budget.