Issue 49 passes: What it means for you
for Ohio election results
CLEVELAND (WJW) – A vote of confidence in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) came from about 66% of voters who approved Issue 49 on Tuesday.
This important vote authorized an 8.6-mill, 10-year operating levy, expected to generate $52 million annually to support local schools. The levy will play a crucial role in preventing cuts to school staff and student programs, providing the district with essential resources to ensure student success.
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Early Wednesday morning, CMSD released a statement celebrating the levy's passage, describing it as a vital step toward financial stability.
Dr. Warren Morgan, CEO of Cleveland Schools, expressed his gratitude, saying, "Just gratitude. Everything I shared even before the results, just how grateful I am."
Speaking via Zoom, Dr. Morgan explained that while financial challenges remain, the passage of Issue 49 provides valuable time for the district to make strategic, community-centered decisions.
"Even though we have work to do to sustain financial stability, it gives us time to do that strategically and with our community," he said.
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According to district officials, the funds from Issue 49 will support a range of programs aimed at enhancing student success, providing much-needed financial stability. Dr. Morgan emphasized the importance of these funds for the district's future, saying, "We would be looking at a deficit two school years from now. Now we have 3 or 4 school years ahead. Also, we were looking at massive program closures."
The levy has been a priority for the CMSD School Board since May, when members voted to put the issue on the November ballot. Since then, Dr. Morgan and the board have focused on earning the community's trust through transparency, knowing that voter support would be essential.
With the levy approved, district officials can now take a moment to breathe – but they know the work is far from over. Dr. Morgan stated, "We have a board convening later this month where we are talking about the future. We are moving full steam ahead. Now, it's go time."
