Issue 16: A bond for the construction of a new middle school for grades 5-8, and updates and repairs to the existing K-4 elementary schools, including installing air conditioning. The new building will be at the site of Learwood Middle School and Troy Intermediate School will close.

Issue 17: An emergency operating levy that will provide the district with enough revenue to prevent additional cuts to staff and resources.

The table below provides Avon Lake residents with the estimated impact of the bond and levy on their respective taxes if passed in May. This is the cost per year per $100,000 in property value.

The district has earmarked $20 million for critical repairs and upgrades across our three remaining elementary schools. These improvements aim to extend the lifespan of our facilities by 20-25 years, ensuring safe and conducive learning environments. The planned improvements to these buildings include:

HVAC System Overhaul

• Ducted systems installation: Replacing outdated systems to improve air quality and efficiency.
• Air conditioning addition: Ensuring comfortable classrooms year-round.
• Enhanced ventilation: Upgrading exhaust systems for better airflow.

Roof Replacement

• Priority-based updates: Addressing the most critical areas based on current roof conditions.

Electrical System Upgrades

• Panel replacements: Modernizing electrical panels to meet current standards.
• Additional circuits: Supporting the increased demand of modern educational technology.
• Lighting enhancements: Transitioning to energy-efficient LED lighting.

Plumbing System Repairs

• Sanitary piping replacement: Updating old pipes to prevent leaks and ensure clean water supply.

Accessibility Improvements

• Handicap access upgrades: Making our schools more inclusive and accessible to all students and visitors.

Safety Enhancements

• Fire suppression systems: Installing or upgrading sprinkler systems for enhanced fire safety.
• Emergency generators: Ensuring schools remain operational during power outages.

Cafeteria Modernization

• Kitchen equipment replacement: Upgrading to efficient and safe kitchen appliances to provide quality meals.

Site Condition Improvements (Budget Permitting)

• Asphalt and sidewalk repairs: Enhancing the safety and appearance of school grounds.
• Addressing building-specific needs: Tailoring improvements to each school’s unique requirements.

A mill is a unit of value for expressing the rate of property taxes. It is one 10th of a cent in cash terms. One mill is equal to $1 of tax for every $1,000 in assessed value. Millage is the factor applied to the assessed value of property to produce tax revenue.

Yes. The Ohio Constitution requires the legislature to fund a high-quality system of public education. In 1997, in DeRolph v State of Ohio, the Ohio Supreme Court ruled that Ohio’s school funding system was unconstitutional and property taxes could no longer be the primary means of providing the finances for a thorough and efficient system of schools. The state continues to force districts, including Avon Lake, to rely on locally generated property taxes.

House Bill 920, a state law in place for 50+ years, requires that the revenue from voted levies remains fixed, unaffected by changes in property values. So even if property values increase, your tax bill may not. Each levy collects the same amount annually, but individual tax shares vary based on property value changes relative to the community average. Click here for more information about the 2024 property valuation process. 

With frozen levy revenue and only minimal state funding from Ohio, Avon Lake schools face significant financial challenges. This situation forces the district to make budget cuts and seek additional support from our community.