last one was in the mid 9's, this one in the low 8's, Good luck with that.

Not much of a change from the last time. Forget about the time before that?

I was at the board meeting a few weeks ago and I just didn't get the idea that the current board has any willingness to make significant cuts. Income will drop roughly 25%. Simple, just raise taxes. This will be the third time. Serious times require significant measures. How do those beautification projects at HS & Lear schools sound now? Glad you jammed the us garage down our throats. Stadium was a awesome idea. We're just tapped out and these guys can't manage it properly.

I'm trying to educate myself on this and the more I look into it, the more I don't like. I doubt I can vote for this kind of increase while the current board is intact.

There is a happy middle ground here. Some reasonable cuts won't turn us into East Cleveland.

The higher our prop taxes are in relation to other local communities, the less people will select us (which is why most of us chose AL over AL 10 to 20 years ago). Good luck selling my house at a reasonable price.

My family has been in AL since the 1930's. Our three children all graduated from AL in 2009, 2010 & 2012. All three have had excellent educations which brought about a ton of college scholarships. All three are high achievers who will be entering the work force shortly in the fields of pharmacy, engineering and orthopedic surgery. What little we pay in taxes, far outweigh the advantages we are all given (our house values have increased - even in a down economy, our children are more than ready to continue their education upon graduation, etc). Do to the loss of business tax dollars, no direct access to a highway (such as in Avon), we are becoming a community like Bay Village. Bay has a good school system (although many of their school buildings are not in the best shape), but our taxes are still well below theirs thanks in part to Ford and Geon. Past levies were voted on and passed by the people of Avon Lake. Monies from those levies, by state law, must go to paying for those expenditures. What more reasonable cuts do you propose? I don't like half the cuts that are coming about now because it hurts the quality of education. We chose to live in AL for the advantages it gives us. Our family will be supporting the next school levy.

It bothers me how snarky people are about these levies, the schools have made cuts in case you missed it that directly effect the children...did everyone see the part where the teachers agreed to no raises to help the budget?? Some of the most important people in our children's lives are willing to sacrifice for the good of the school when in fact they likely deserver MORE money but our community just sits back and says don't you dare ask for a cent more of my money. It's embarrassing. We are surrounded by many blue ribbon schools and in case you forget it's the families moving into the area that keep your property values so high...if they are looking at cities and see a school system that is making cuts and doesn't have community support they'll choose another city very easily. These cuts have affected our children but cutting some of the activities that keep them out of trouble, like shutting down the weight room before and after school. Times are tough for everyone..we get that..and holding the school board responsible for making smart choices is over course wise but this whole attitude about "go ahead and TRY and pass a levy" by some folks is just digusting...schools are the anchor of a community so whether you like it or it will benefit you to ensure it remains strong.

The Avon Lake School Board has always operated in public and with the best interests of the students and the community in mind. School funding in Ohio requires that districts pass separate and distinct levies for facilities and for operating costs related to teaching. The community was asked if they supported additional classrooms and safer parking lot configurations and their votes supported the decisions of the board. The funds from those levies cannot, by law, be used for teacher salaries or operating expenses.
In addition, the district has done a tremendous job over the years trying to keep costs down while providing a top quality education. The current fiscal problems do not result from mismanagement. It is a result of an unexpected decrease in funding from the state and the closing of a major employer in the city. In response to significant reductions in revenue, the district has frozen teacher and staff wages, altered the health care benefits program, postponed purchases of equipment and educational materials, and is currently engaged in workforce reduction. I am hard pressed to see how anyone who has reviewed the facts in this situation can come away commenting that the school board is being irresponsible by requesting this levy.

I'm also for the levy. I have friends in communities that are very close to ours that haven't passed a levy in years and they now have to send their kids to private schools because the schools are dropping programs and closing buildings that educate their children and prepare them for the next level. Avon Lake HS prepares its students for higher education better than allot of public high schools not only locally, but on a national level. I believe our HS is represented at The Ohio State University more than most high schools in Ohio, and OSU is one of the most difficult public universities in the nation to get into. Stats like that bring families to Avon Lake. A little higher tax rate for 10 years will not scare those people away. The alternative pales in comparison. You would pay much more for private education when these levies fail and our children are at risk of being unprepared for the real world. Feel free to move to Avon. The great Avon's tax increase doubled our's.

Personally, with two sons about to enter high school over the next two years, I would prefer to pay $600 more in taxes, which I can write off as opposed to $13k/yr each to attend St. Edward. That's not tax deductible. Right now, ALHS is comparable to a private education on many levels. That will certainly change if programs get cut. It's about the kids. And quit whining about the bus garage. I know bus drivers and they work their butts off for our kids. Ride for a day on one of those school busses then come talk to me. Vote YES in May!!

Fact is that IF your family's income dropped 25% you would make some significant cuts. The board doesn't seem to be too willing to do much at all.

To Bill B: You're welcome for me supporting your child's education. This is not "a little more". It's significant! Will someone answer when is it enough? I'm probably wrong, it seems they ask for money annually (if not more) and generally get it (until 2 yrs ago).

My problem is I don't want this town to turn into a Bay Village. Housing there has been stagnant since years before the 'crash'. Economically speaking, it's not that appealing of an area. Schools should not work against us. There is a happy medium here and the board does not get it. AP Photography? Seriously?

Knowing all to well that it comes from a different bucket, it was a poor choice to ask for cash for the two things that they asked for several years ago. But also remember ther were three things then. Classrooms, stadium, and garage.
I supported only one of the three things that DIRECTLY affected students. And that was the upgrading of school classrooms.
The writing was on the wall for the electrical plant... A wise choice would have been to ask for operating funds then instead of funds for a stadium and garage.
And for those who may say I am greedy for trying to hold onto some cash for when my roof fails, or a health issue, or car repair. Watch your selves because that is the wrong way to go about it. I believe I am allowed to look out for my own fiscal situation and prepare for anything that may happen.
It would have been wise for the board to have done the same.....

They continue to ask for the same amount of $$ when the public has said NO (2X). They can't live within their means. I was at the meeting, they argued on why they couldn't do more (keep AP Photography) and HAD to ask for more money.

It's not enough. It's same old same old (keep bleeding us dry).

vote no

If you don't like what's going on, attend a board meeting- I was there on Tuesday night with 5 or 6 others- where were you with all your ideas about cuts/expenditures??Contact the board members, get involved, instead of whining and crying about what you can't afford. I'm not positive, but I think the AP Photography class that you keep raging about, requires students to pay a substantial fee for equipment. Check your facts before you respond. You will have more credibilty , if you do.

The boards decision that they 'needed' a 9.04 mill levy last fall and now only 'need' an 8.28 mill levy begs the question - what has changed? If the reduced millage request is the results of cuts and cost savings, why weren't they instituted BEFORE the fall election? Did they cut the critical Advanced Placement Choir or AP Photography classes?
Just as our kids sometimes think our wallets have an endless supply of money hidden inside, the school board appears to think the AL property owners will keep opening their checkbooks without demanding substantial cost reductions and a re-examination of the non core-education services and classes offered.

The boards decision that they 'needed' a 9.04 mill levy last fall and now only 'need' an 8.28 mill levy begs the question - what has changed? If the reduced millage request is the results of cuts and cost savings, why weren't they instituted BEFORE the fall election? Did they cut the critical Advanced Placement Choir or AP Photography classes?
Just as our kids sometimes think our wallets have an endless supply of money hidden inside, the school board appears to think the AL property owners will keep opening their checkbooks without demanding substantial cost reductions and a re-examination of the non core-education services and classes offered.
I will vote against this over-reaching levy!

Regarding fees, every AP class offered has a fee attached. There are different fees for each class but the school can provide more specifics. In addition, there fees for the music classes and courses that have laboratory expenses. Finally, there are pay to participate fees for all extracurricular activities. This year I paid over $250 in fees for my sophmore student. Next year extracurricular fees will be increased substantially. These fees ensure that tax dollars are being used to fund what is necessary and students who choose to participate in certain activities pay extra to offset those costs. To be clear, my message is not a complaint against the fees it is a response to those who think taxpayers are paying for too many extras.

Hope those 675 turn out again to defeat this levy.... The schools will never ever stop asking for more money...Bob would be back again in 2015 asking for more....Why? because he knows the sheep will deliver.... Taxes...the new American Dream

There was no mention of any class size at the BOE meeting last Tuesday. If you check with others districts, I believe you will find that AP classes are smaller than regular classes, due to the advanced subject matter and the preparation for the AP tests. It's hard for me to believe that you were enrolled in an AP class with 30+ students. The district tries to cap class size at 25, whenever possible, according to state guidelines.

The board even said that 10 students in the AP course (Math) was too little, however, I didn't hear anything to suggest they would (cut) that.

This is a simple but tough argument: The schools WILL take a ~ 25% revenue cut. Is the appropriate action to: A) Make cuts because the money simply isn't there or B) Raise taxes on the citizens or C) Maybe something more in the middle?

For me, We have no "dog in this fight" (kids in the district), but fully recognize that good schools = good real estate. IMO, we've been here 10 yrs and doubt that we can sell our house at what we paid for it -- much worse than the "crash" starting in 2008. Cities with very reputable schools like Avon are much more appealing to someone "upgrading" their house and in turn don't select us. Higher costs of living are steering people away.

The board has came back 3 times now (upcoming and 2 failed priors) with essentially the same LARGE request that I can't comprehend why they can't realize that this is too much of an increase. IF we had not approved the garage and stadium projects, I'd be much more willing to support this. At the time, many rumors were out there about the ele plant. It's poor management and as much as I want to support the increased levy, I just can't with this board. Their "stock answer" is to everything is "all is important and not much can be cut (think window dressing vs. meaningful cuts that add up to a small incr.) so just raise taxes". Please vote No.

But the bus garage and stadium projects WERE approved. Game over. So now ,you plan to penalize the students in the system, because you don't like the board, who ,by the way, were elected by the voters. Sad!

Cheryl, you must admit that those two projects left a bad taste in the mouths of many. I'm not penalizing the students, I am watching out for the fiscal integrity of my own family first (& not apologizing for it). After those two projects, the trend of a "we'll pass anything" seemed to stop, didn't it?

I am reasonably certain that the elected board will not see successful re-election. Also, please quit twisting my words, I don't feel the board's actions over the last few years have been satisfactory (failing). I have no doubt they are good folks and have their hearts in the right place. They just lack fiscal discipline and appear to be unable to recognize the economic landscape has & is changing.

You would not run your household the way they do (I hope). Go & judge someone else.

I love Avon Lake, but I, like so many others, am struggling financially. I can't afford a tax increase. If this levy passes, I can no longer afford to live in this city. It's just that simple.

They just devalued some properties which will drop those taxes so it's not as dramatic of an increase as people are making it.

Our property hasn't been devalued. How do we get that to happen? It sure is a dramatic increase for us!

I just received my property tax bill last week. I was dismayed at the increased caused by the paramedic levy. In addition, last evening I realized why my trash bill went from 36. to 56 a quarter. The water bill went up. The company I worked for for 19 years cut my job. I now make $10 an hour. I have no medical coverage and yet I have to come up with a way to cover a medical policy with no money to do so. Every extra dollar I have to spend is dramatic. I am not alone in this situation and am not looking for sympathy, but understanding.

I think alot of people want to live (and rent) in Avon Lake and why? Because its better than where they were, the excellent schools, saftey services, City services etc...
Well people, guess what, there is a COST for all of that and this is one. Maybe some of the people posting not only should move out but NEED to move out. Its just that simple! Guess what folks, there are more of me than you and i bet this levy passes. Then there will be something else and it will pass and so on and on it goes.
Its just the COST of here, can't have one without the other people.

Paying for services that make a community livable is a challenge for many no matter where you live. It won't help everyone, but I point you to the website for the Homestead Exemption which helps lower the property tax burden for seniors and those on disability. http://www.tax.ohio.gov/portals/0/forms/real_property/dte_105a.pdf

I purchased my home over a dozen years ago. I've paid my taxes. And yes, Kimber, I DESERVE to live in this City. Perhaps you should not be so smug as you look down from your "I'm Better Than You" throne, and realize that with a small stroke of a pen, just a tiny bit of ink, you or your spouse could lose your job (they do cut from the top, you know), and you may find yourself in the same position as many of the people in this City. We do not want to live on assistance, food stamps, or aid. What we want is for our elected and appointed officials to look at how they spend our tax dollars and perhaps use a little restraint. It is quite obvious that you are not able to put yourself in the shoes of others and will defend this levy and you are entitled to defend the levy. However, don't you dare tell anyone that they should not live in this City or that they do not DESERVE to live here and NEED to move out. You are not better than anyone else and should reflect on that when you attend Sunday services.

A topic that seems to get brought up frequently revolves around the cost per student for Avon and Avon Lake. Here are some facts regarding this:

*Avon Lake has a higher cost per student than Avon
Approximately $10,800 to $7,100
*One of the factors in Avon having a low cost per student is their rapid growth.
*75% of the Avon Teaching Staff have less than 10 years of experience
*75% of the Avon Lake Teaching Staff have more than 10 years of experience
*Avon Lake has reduced its teaching staff by 10% in the last 3 years
*Avon Lake has 24 teachers retiring in the next 2 years
Avon Lake’s cost per student is dropping and will continue to drop with a smaller staff and a younger staff

The bus garage will extend the life of the buses by 4 years on average. I don't want good schools- I want the BEST schools in the area. That will help your property value, ask a realtor.

My home's value has increased in the Bridgeside subdivision over the last 5 years. Explain THAT.

Well jack you are one of the lucky few. As noted by the school administration themselves, personal property revenue has dropped consistently during the period of the last four years.
And as we have been told. We are not allowed to question anything that the administration says. Right?
It's funny how none of the press and or the impending literature drops will ever mention the words, "the economy." And the poor state of it. Like that problem doesn't even exist...
If they did that, the levy would fail miserably.
Welcome to the real world Avon Lake.

We've all been affected by the economy in some way- and though I just moved here- I certainly know that property values have dropped for most in the last 5 years, as they have across most (though certainly not all) of the nation. On another post- I commented that I come from a larger area in the south where I have never been for tax increases because I didnt think money was managed well, and/or the leadership can not demonstrate the need. The need is here- and this community is small enough that you can research the issue without having the take up hours and hours of your time and determine the facts. There will be some who will say- "adjust"- there is simply less money in the budget to operate with. I don't know that that person will ever be convinced. Just now all of the facts on this folks- and make sure you vote: http://avonlakecityschoolslevy.yolasite.com/
And then vote either way- just vote.