The current levy generates $1.85 million in tax revenue enabling the school district to main current expenses. "Passage of Issue 76 will keep the budget balanced and allow our school district to continue its progress," said Superintendent Donald J. Jolly II. In recent years, the district saw substantial improvement in scholars' academic performance. On the 2018-2019 State Report Card (the most recent report card available), for example . . .
- The school district moved up from an overall "F" grade to a "C" grade.
- WHCSD was one of 83 districts that earned an "A" grade in Progress, meaning that scholars grew more academically than expected.
- Westwood and Eastwood elementary schools moved up from an "C" to a "B" grade.
- The Kindergarten-Grade 3 Literacy Measure improved from an "F" to a "C" grade.
- WHCSD moved into the top 14 percent of the state of improving at-risk readers.
- John Dewey Elementary School was among 7.7% of schools statewide that earned an overall "A" grade.
- In the "Gap Closing" component, WHCSD improve in ALL AREAS for closing the achievement gap between our scholars and others in the state.
- From 2015-2019 (the latest figures available) the graduation rate moved from 65.2% to 84.2% -- a 19% increase.
- WHCSD has consistently worked to improve our Prepared for Success component. More scholars are taking ACT/SAT, career tech, and college courses than ever before.
The Warrensville Heights Board of Education has maintained its commitment to spend taxpayer dollars responsibly. "The district has successfully operated within existing revenue streams since the last operating levy passed in 2004," stated district Treasurer, Dr. Michael A. Rock. The School district recently financed Phase One of a Master Facilities Plan to construct a new $25 million pre-K through 5th grade building. WHCSD financed $17 million while the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission contributed $8 million. No additional taxpayer dollars were needed for the new school which is set to reopen in November 2020 (pending any further COVID-19 restrictions).
"Passage of Issue 76 will keep our progress going by continuing to provide for the academic needs of our scholars without costing our taxpayers a penny more," added Mr. Jolly. "This is reflective of the Board of Education and Administration's commitment to our taxpayers through sound strategic financial planning."
More information about Issue 76 will be shared in the coming weeks through the district website and social media outlets.