Date: December 17, 2024
Contact: Karen Misciagna, Director of Communications, 440-617-7307
Bay Board of Education Places Permanent Improvement Levy on May 2025 Ballot
‘Unique’ financial opportunity includes a ‘No Tax Increase’ levy for Bay residents.
(Bay Village, OH) During its December 16, 2024, Regular Board Meeting, the Bay Village Board of Education received a recommendation from Bay Village Schools Superintendent Scot Prebles and Treasurer Meghan Rohde to place a Permanent Improvement Levy on the May of 2025 ballot. If approved, the new “no tax increase” Permanent Improvement levy will generate funds to pay for things like building improvements, technology, textbooks and transportation, with no increase in taxes for Bay Village residents.
The Board voted unanimously to approve the recommendation, which Bay Village residents will vote on at the May 6, 2025, primary election. (Note: A permanent improvement or PI levy is a property tax that funds facilities, textbooks, technology and transportation; capital improvements with a lifespan of five or more years.)
“The proposed Permanent Improvement Levy will serve as the foundation for the district’s Finance + Facilities for the Future Plan,” said Treasurer Meghan Rohde. “The plan was created as a result of a year-long Strategic Plan discussion that included a review of district finances and a facility audit facilitated by Assistant Superintendent Aaron Ereditario, who enlisted Bay Village residents to serve on a Facilities Advisory Committee. This Facilities Advisory Committee recommended to the Bay Village Board of Education – during its November State of the District meeting – that the district’s five school buildings (Glenview Center for Child Care & Learning; Normandy Elementary School; Westerly Elementary School; Bay Middle School; and Bay High School), are in need of improvements and upgrades to extend their life cycles, and to improve safety and security.
District Treasurer Meghan Rohde said the Finance + Facilities for the Future Plan “presents a unique financial opportunity” for Bay Village Schools to combine funds from the 2000 Bay Middle School bond and the 2012 construction bond to permanently generate approximately $2.9 million annually with the goals to:
1) decrease stress on the district’s general fund to create long-term financial stability;
2) push out the 2022 operating levy cycle until at least 2027;
3) create annual capital investment sustainability; and
4) generate funds to pay for Bay Village Schools’ Finance + Facilities for the Future Plan.
The district also plans to pay off the aforementioned 2012 construction bond five years early in 2029 vs. 2034, to avoid $790,000 in future interest payments, according to Treasurer Meghan Rohde.
“We can accomplish all of this, and complete $27 million of improvements to our five school buildings without asking residents to increase their current tax contribution,” said Superintendent Scot Prebles. “The Finance + Facilities for the Future Plan, which includes the PI Levy, will allow the district to improve safety and security, upgrade district facilities, extend the lifespan of our school buildings, increase accessibility and enhance educational opportunities, without asking residents to increase their taxes. Residents will continue to pay what they’re currently paying.” *
Bay Village Board of Education President Dr. Andrey Stojic said he appreciates the forethought that Superintendent Scot Prebles and Treasurer Meghan Rohde put into the Finance + Facilities for the Future Plan, as well as the time and expertise the Facilities Advisory Committee put into the Facilities Audit, including its recommendation to upgrade the district’s five school buildings.
“This plan will, first and foremost, enhance safety and security in our buildings and increase educational opportunities for our students,” said Board President Dr. Andrey Stojic. “Second, it just makes sense and cents. We’re asking voters to help the district take advantage of a unique opportunity to provide responsible stewardship to resident taxpayers while continuing our commitment to our students. To put things into perspective, 17 of Bay Village Schools’ comparison districts already have a Permanent Improvement Levy in place. This plan represents a proactive financial tool that will ensure resources are set aside for future needs.”
* Note: Based on a $400,000 home, Bay Village residents are currently paying:
$19.83 per month for the 2000 Bay Middle School Bond.
$16.92 per month for the 2012 Construction Bond.