Shaker Heights Voters Secure School Funding and New Board Leadership

Shaker Heights residents recently delivered a powerful statement at the polls, overwhelmingly approving the school district’s first full operating levy in over a decade. This critical financial support, coupled with the election of two new members to the Board of Education, charts a clear course for the Shaker Heights City School District as it continues its mission to provide world-class education amidst evolving state and federal funding landscapes.

Shaker Schools Levy Passes with Strong Community Support

On November 4th, Shaker Heights City School District voters passed Issue 51, a vital operating levy, by approximately a 2-to-1 margin. This victory comes after the district navigated 11 years without a full operating levy, relying instead on sound fiscal management and federal COVID relief funds to sustain operations.

Issue 51: Understanding the Financial Impact and Benefits

The approved Issue 51 is a 9.9-mill measure projected to raise about $12.5 million annually. This additional funding is crucial for addressing rising costs and navigating state and federal budget cuts that have impacted public school districts across Ohio.

Starting in January, Shaker Heights homeowners will contribute an additional $347 per year for each $100,000 of their home’s appraised value. These funds are designated to maintain core district services and programs, including:

• Staff salaries and benefits
• Transportation services
• Utilities
• Building maintenance
• Classroom supplies
• Extracurricular activities

District officials lauded the community’s “continued support,” emphasizing that it provides “the ability to provide a world-class education to our community’s most cherished asset: our children.” This approval reinforces Shaker Heights’ reputation as a community dedicated to its excellent schools, helping “attract and retain families and students from all across the region.”

While a separate 9.95-mill tax increase was approved in 2023, primarily for school modernization bonds, Issue 51 marks the first operating levy since 2014, highlighting a renewed commitment to day-to-day educational funding.

New Leadership Joins Shaker Board of Education

Beyond the levy, the November 4th election also ushered in new leadership for the Shaker Board of Education. Re-elected incumbent and current Board President Lora Cover will be joined by Kate Nielson and James Reed III, both distinguished Shaker graduates.

Meet Your Elected School Board Members

Lora Cover, a seasoned public policy attorney and education talent recruiter, emphasized the ongoing need to “keep doing the hard work of closing the educational achievement gap, raising expectations and making sure every student receives an equitable, rigorous education.” She also committed to “standing up for our kids, our families and our public schools” against external challenges to public education.

Kate Nielson, an alumna whose child is enrolled in the inaugural Ludlow Pre-K program, highlighted its importance, stating, “Now we must ensure it is successful and accessible to all families.” Her focus includes supporting teachers, fostering a de-tracked environment, ensuring student safety and belonging, and improving district communication, all while navigating the complex state and federal political environments affecting education.

James Reed III, a retired educator with over 25 years of experience, including serving as a middle school teacher and high school principal in Cleveland Heights-University Heights Schools, narrowly secured the third seat. A proud Shaker graduate himself, with four children who also graduated from the district, Reed brings a deep understanding of local education and a focus on equity, exemplified by his work with the International Baccalaureate program.

Shaker Board of Education Election Overview

Shaker Historical Museum Levy Also Approved

In another ballot measure on November 4th, Shaker Heights voters also passed the Shaker Historical Museum’s 0.3-mill levy (Issue 31). This initiative received 63 percent of the vote, equating to an annual cost of $11 per $100,000 of property value for taxpayers.

A distinctive outcome of this levy’s passage is that every Shaker Heights resident will automatically become a member of the museum. This model, shared by only one other museum in Ohio, aims to deeply connect residents with their local history and the stories preserved within the community.

FAQs About the Recent Shaker Heights Votes

• What is Issue 51 for the Shaker Heights City School District?
  Issue 51 is a 9.9-mill operating levy, the first full one in 11 years, designed to raise approximately $12.5 million annually for the district’s operational costs and educational programs.
• How will Issue 51 affect my property taxes?
  Starting in January, homeowners will pay an additional $347 per year for every $100,000 of their home’s appraised value due to Issue 51.
• Who are the newly elected members to the Shaker Board of Education?
  Lora Cover was re-elected, and new members Kate Nielson and James Reed III were also elected to four-year terms.
• What does the Shaker Historical Museum levy mean for residents?
  The 0.3-mill levy passed, costing $11 annually per $100,000 of property value, and uniquely makes every Shaker Heights resident a museum member, fostering a direct connection to local history.

The recent election results underscore Shaker Heights’ ongoing commitment to supporting its public institutions, from its schools providing a world-class education to its historical museum preserving local heritage for all residents.

Shaker Heights voters secure school funding new board