Message from Dr. Shoaf

Dear Rocky River Residents,

The Rocky River City Schools will have a 4.9 mill levy on the upcoming November 8, 2022 ballot. This levy is critically important as more than 61% of the district's operating budget comes from residential taxpayers. The last levy passed in 2017.

The Board of Education takes stewardship of tax dollars very seriously. We have extended the levy cycle from three years to 4-6 years, eliminating one full levy request every 10 years. Since 2007, two levies have been eliminated by not following a 3-year cycle, eliminating 9.8 mills.

Over the last five years, the administration has implemented cost-saving measures such as a retirement incentive program, an energy conservation capital project, consortium purchasing, cost-sharing partnerships, applying for grants from government and nonprofit organizations and refinancing bonds, all in an effort to maximize taxpayer investment in our schools. The federal and state COVID-19 ESSER relief funds that the district received in 2021 allowed us to operate the district without reductions following the failed levy in May 2021. These funds were provided to the district after the decision to place a levy on the May 2021 ballot.

The Board is seeking this levy to maintain high-quality academics, school safety and activities and athletics programs for all students. The passage of this levy will also support current staffing levels to maintain class sizes, maintain facilities that meet best-practices for learning, health and safety needs, follow refresh plans for instructional materials and maintain and repair district equipment.

The 4.9 mill November levy is 4.65 mill for operating expenses and 0.25 mill for permanent improvements (PI). The operating funds will provide funding for daily operating expenses and educational materials. The 0.25 mill permanent improvements will be dedicated to maintaining facilities, make improvements to facilities, purchase equipment for academics, technology and school buses.

The net cost of this issue is approximately $14.29 per month per $100,000 in valuation.

To become a registered voter, please visit https://olvr.ohiosos.gov/. To register to vote by mail, please visit https://boe.cuyahogacounty.gov/

Please contact me if you have any questions or concerns at 440-356-6715, or by email at shoaf.michael@rrcs.org.

Sincerely,

Michael G. Shoaf, Ed.D.

Superintendent