Brunswick Schools’ renewal levy on May 3 ballot
BRUNSWICK, Ohio — Voters in the Brunswick City Schools district will see a 4.5 mill, 10-year renewal operating levy on the May 3 Primary ballot.
Brunswick Schools Superintendent Jason Niedermeyer said Issue 2 represents $5.7 million, or 8 percent, of the district’s budget and noted it is “vital for the community to understand that this renewal levy will not raise property taxes [if passed].”
“[The levy] was overwhelmingly passed by voters in 2004,” Niedermeyer said. “Renewing this levy will help provide financial stability for the next five years, a critical factor as the Brunswick City School District works hard to advance student excellence by employing high-quality educators and support staff, offering competitive course options, and providing access to state-of-the-art curriculum and technology.”
If the renewal fails at the ballot box, Niedermeyer said the result would “dramatically impact day to day operations.”
“[By] eliminating nearly $6 million from our operating budget…simply put, what we will be able to offer our students and families, from resources to curriculum to technology, will significantly change,” he said.
Niedermeyer said the district is grateful to the voters and community for their continued support of the Brunswick City School District.
“Strong schools rely on the support and engagement of the community they serve,” he said. “We remain committed to preparing our students for the future through a relentless dedication to excellence. The renewal of Issue 2 will allow us to maintain our existing programs and sustain current operations.”
Niedermeyer added that Brunswick City Schools also has also earned a number of earned “prestigious awards” in the past two years related to its stewardship of taxpayer dollars, including the district Treasurer’s Department earning the Auditor of State Award, presented to fewer than 6 percent of publicly audited organizations; and district Director of Business Affairs Sam Grida earning the 2022 Ohio Outstanding Business Operations Manager of the Year Award.
“Over the last seven years, Mr. Grida has obtained grants totaling more than $1.1 million while managing business operations for nine instructional buildings that educate more than 7,000 students and employ over 800 staff members,” Niedermeyer said, adding that more information on the district’s operating budget, five-year forecast and recent audits can be found on the Brunswick City Schools’ website.
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