PARMA, Ohio — Parma’s controversial Issue 73—the bond that would have increased property taxes to help build two school campuses and a community center— was defeated on Election Night.
The 6.5 mill bond issue would have raised property taxes by roughly $19 for every $100,000 of property value.
“There’s multiple layers to the frustration in our community. One of them dates back all the way to some corruption eras in the 90s,” Parma City Schools Superintendent Charles Smialek told News 5 on Monday ahead of Election Day.
Smialek told News 5 that the district hasn’t received any new money since 2011, citing the last new school opened in the district was Normandy in 1968.
For some, supporting school levies is tradition.
“We’ve just always believed that supporting the schools and voting yes on the school is something that makes our community better,” said Kathy Seeley, a parent of two and Seven Hills resident, who spoke to News 5 in September.
But for others, it’s about survival and timing.
“It’s just bad timing so most likely we might lean towards no,” said Lily, a Parma mother of two, who spoke News 5 in September.
We reached out to Smialek on Wednesday about the results. When asked if the district will still be able to receive state funding and seek taxpayers support down the line, Smialek responded saying, "all to be determined."
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