Brunswick Schools superintendent responds to Issue 14 passage

BRUNSWICK, Ohio - Following voters support Nov. 5 of Issue 14 – the renewal of the Brunswick City Schools' 3.2 mill operating levy – Superintendent Jason Niedermeyer said the levy passage ensures the district's nancial stability.

"The approval of Issue 14 allows us to maintain the quality of education and services we provide to our students without imposing any additional nancial burden on our taxpayers," Niedermeyer said in a statement Nov. 5, adding that the levy does not increase taxes; renews funding rst approved in 1994; accounts for 4% of the district's annual budget; and directly impacts essential educational operations including curriculum development, student services and sta compensation.

He said taxpayers will continue to pay the same $61.25 per year per $100,000 of property valuation that they were previously paying. Niedermeyer also noted that as an emergency levy, the millage has reduced since 1994 - from 7.8 mills to 2 mills - as the community has continued to grow.

"The cost has decreased significantly since 1994, and the continued growth that happens in our community will continue to lessen the amount taxpayers have to pay," he said, adding that the district does not anticipate having to seek another renewal until 20228.

In March, the levy renewal was defeated for the first time since 1994 - by a 121-vote margin. Issue 14 was passed 13,817 to 11,600 votes, based upon unofficial results from Medina County Board of Elections.

In a letter to district families Nov. 6, Niedermeyer thanked the community for its support.

"Yesterday, our community demonstrated what makes it truly special. Over 25,000 of you made your voices heard at the polls – a remarkable display of civic engagement that speaks volumes about the value we place on participating in democracy," Niedermeyer wrote. "What moved me most wasn't just the numbers, though they were impressive. It was watching our entire school community embrace this moment as an opportunity to teach and learn."

He commended Brunswick High School students, particularly those in the Young Student Leaders club, for showing "tremendous maturity in their approach to civic discourse throughout this election season."

"And I was especially proud of our students who, though not yet old enough to cast their own ballots, served as 'Youth at the Booth' volunteers, helping our community exercise their right to vote," Niedermeyer said. "Yesterday wasn't just about an election – it was about showing our children what it means to be engaged citizens who care deeply about their community."

He said he is also proud of the demonstrable results of the district's approach to learning.

"I'm particularly proud that our district has achieved remarkable results – earning 4.5 stars on the state report card and ranking in the top 30% of all public high schools – while maintaining one of the lowest per-pupil spending rates among comparable districts," Niedermeyer said. "This eciency reects our dedication to strategic nancial management and transparent stewardship of your tax dollars."

Moving forward, he said he is "excited to continue our momentum with constructing our new high school, implementing site improvements at Kidder and Applewood and completing our new maintenance facility and Board of Education building."

"These improvements will serve our community's children for generations to come," Niedermeyer said. "There is much to be proud of in our school district and much to look forward to."