September 26, 2008 -- On Wednesday, October 1st, a community open house in the Elyria High School gym, 5:30-6:30 p.m., will provide information about an important renewal issue for Elyria Schools on the ballot on Tuesday, November 4th.

If passed, the issue would renew an important existing levy, 4.95 mills, without increasing taxes. The renewal supports basic educational services such as textbooks, classroom materials, technology and instruction and WILL NOT increase taxes. By Ohio law, the bond issue passed in 2007 to rebuild Elyria High can only be used for facilities, not operating expenses.

More information about this renewal will be shared at the open house, and attendees will have an opportunity to sign up to help. One interesting activity taking place at the open house is a neighbor-neighbor initiative which lets community members “adopt” friends and family, keeping them informed about the issue and answering any questions they may have.

The renewal issue for Elyria Schools on November 4th is one of three operating levies up for renewal in 2008 and 2009 that are necessary to keep the District’s funding intact. Without the renewals, the District will be forced to make cuts that would impede progress. Elyria Schools has been doing its part to cut costs and keep expenditures in check. Just this past school year, the District reduced staff and closed two school buildings in response to a declining enrollment and increasing operating costs. These cuts will save the District more than $3 million per year. The renewal on November 4th and additional renewals upcoming in 2009 are projected to keep the District financially solvent through 2011.

Much more information will be available at the community open house on Wednesday, October 1st, at 5:30 in the EHS gymnasium. Hope to see you there!