Highland Financial Advisory Panel Recommendation to BOE
January 26, 2010
The Financial Advisory Panel has recommended that the Highland Local School District place a 5.9 mill emergency levy on the ballot in May of 2010.  Additionally, the Committee recommended that the Highland Administration continue to closely monitor its cost reduction program.  (READ MORE)

It is our pleasure to bring you this web site containing the most up-to-date information regarding the need for an operating levy for the Highland Local School District.  Not only are we passionate about supporting our school district, but first and foremost, we are passionate about preserving the integrity of our very special communities.  When so many other districts in Ohio and around the country are struggling both academically and economically, our district has worked to remain academically and fiscally sound over the years. Of course, much of that success is attributed to our knowledgeable and experienced teaching and administrative staff, as well as to our ever-supportive parent base and Highland community as a whole.

It is the strong link between our communities and the schools that continues to make Highland and its surrounding communities of Hinckley, Granger, Sharon, Montville, Copley, Medina and Brunswick a desirable place to live. As other communities within the Cleveland area struggle to attract new residents, Medina County has remained strong and vibrant, in large part, because of its thriving school systems. Highland was recently ranked 15th in the State for enrollment growth in the past 10 years, increasing our population by nearly 1,000 students.

We are also proud of the fact that our district has been operating on the same tax levies since 1998. Our Board of Education realizes that we are facing a turbulent economy and they considered all alternative solutions prior to making their final decision to place a new operating levy on the ballot. Passage of a new levy is critical if we are to maintain the types of services and programs that our communities have come to expect.

Information on the need for the levy is extensive. We ask that you educate yourself on the need for the levy before you vote in May and understand the consequences if the levy does not pass.  Due to the failure of the levy in November, several cuts in staffing and programs have already become necessary to address the pending deficit.

If you would like to see more in-depth financial figures or discuss an issue further, we urge you to contact Catherine Aukerman, Superintendent of Schools, or Mary Markle, Treasurer. They may be reached at the following numbers:

Cleveland Line: 330-278-2727

Medina Line: 330-239-1901

Montrose Line: 330-686-1901

Sincerely,

The Highland Pride Levy Committee