South Euclid-Lyndhurst Schools Seek Approval for $23 Monthly Levy

Residents of the South Euclid-Lyndhurst School District are being asked to vote on Issue 52, which proposes a **7.9-mill levy increase** aimed at supporting the district’s operations, renovations, and educational programs. If passed, property owners would pay approximately **$23 per month** for every **$100,000** of property value as appraised by the county.

Superintendent **Dominick Kaple** emphasized the necessity of this levy, explaining how the funds would be allocated across various projects. The district plans to utilize a portion of the levy to improve facilities, including substantial upgrades at **Brush High School**, which is nearing its centennial.

The proposed enhancements are designed to address aging infrastructure and enhance educational offerings. One key project involves transforming the district’s **Southlyn property** located at **1340 Professor Road** into a dedicated preschool facility. This initiative aims to meet the community’s increasing demand for high-quality early childhood education, ultimately freeing up space in existing primary school buildings.

In addition to the preschool project, funds from the levy would facilitate repairs and renovations throughout the district, including critical upgrades to the **Performing Arts Center** at Brush High School. This facility serves not only students but also community groups, underscoring its importance to the area. Kaple noted that the Performing Arts Center suffered significant roof damage earlier this year, highlighting the urgent need for such improvements.

The district also intends to expand its **Career Technical Education** programs, which provide students with valuable real-world skills and pathways to employment after graduation. This expansion is crucial, especially as state funding currently covers less than one-fifth of the district’s total budget.

Without the levy, projections indicate a potential **$9.2 million** budget shortfall over the next two years. Kaple warned that this deficit could lead to **deficit spending**, prompting state oversight and significant cuts that would impact educational quality and services for the more than **3,000 students** enrolled in the district.

Support for Issue 52 has garnered endorsements from local officials, including **Lyndhurst Mayor Patrick Ward** and **South Euclid Mayor Georgine Welo**. In a letter to residents, Ward urged a “yes” vote, stating, “We believe that strong schools are vital to keeping our community vibrant, maintaining home values, and ensuring our students remain competitive.” Similarly, Welo emphasized the broader community implications, stating, “Strong schools help protect home values, attract new families and businesses, and build a stronger, more vibrant South Euclid.”

As the election approaches, Kaple reiterated the district’s commitment to transparency and responsible financial stewardship. “At the end of the day, this is about being responsible stewards of taxpayer funds. Our promise is simple: if we’re asking for support, we’re going to be intentional about how it strengthens our schools and communities for the next generation,” he stated.

The vote on Issue 52 will take place during the upcoming election, and the outcome will significantly impact the future of education and infrastructure in the South Euclid-Lyndhurst School District.