Elyria schools seek first new funding in more than 15 years with Issue 17 levy

ELYRIA, Ohio — For the first time in more than 15 years, Elyria City School District is asking voters for new funding.

If approved, Issue 17 -- a 10-year, 4.9 mill emergency levy -- would generate $6.4 million annually. It would cost property owners roughly $14 per month for every $100,000 of appraised property value, according to a news release.

The levy would help the district continue paying for the teachers, support staff, technology and tools that educate more than 6,000 Elyria students. Without the levy, the Elyria City School District would need to cut at least $6 million dollars from its operating budget, forcing the district to eliminate programs, reduce transportation and cut teachers and staff.

“If voters reject the levy, the district will exhaust its reserves by 2029, give