Readers Sound off on $1 Million in School Cuts

Have an opinion on the proposed cuts? Add them in comments.

Busing, Teachers on the Cutting Block After Proposed $1 Million in Cuts

Elementary school positions, consumer science program will be eliminated.

Superintendent of Schools Dr. Dan Keenan laid out a tentative plan for $1 million in cuts following the school levy loss last Tuesday. “We’re doing this because we can’t count on money coming in in January; we’re at the end of the levy cycle,” Keenan said. With no new money coming in, the district, at current expenditures, would be $2.9 million in the red by the 2014-15 school year. The cuts, announced at the May 13 school board meeting, will go into effect for the 2013-14 school year. Cuts include: Keenan said other cuts and reductions are probable. “This follows the $4.2 million in cuts we made in 2010,” Keenan said. At that time, operations were heavily cut. Now, the district is reversing the cuts to 85 percent personnel and 15 percent …

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Superintendent: Before Another Levy, We Need to Listen

Board will decide if they should make additional cuts or try for another levy.

Fresh off an apparent levy failure last Tuesday, Westlake Superintendent Dr. Dan Keenan said before the board decides whether to try again to pass a levy in November, district leaders need to listen and reflect on the community’s thoughts. “We won’t put one on in August; that deadline has passed,” Keenan said. “Before we do anything we need to get input and figure out what we need to learn from this vote.” Westlake residents voted 3096 to 3049 against the 5.9-mill continuing levy on May 7.  As of Election Day, there were still 44 provisional votes outstanding that had to be counted. That may trigger an automatic recount. “We need to survey the community and understand what we need to do differently,” Keenan said. “It is ‘how we operate’ or…

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Westlake is Talking About the School Levy Failure, Are You?

More than 35 comments were posted supporting and opposing the levy. It's not to late to weigh in.

Candidate Marie Novak on Losing the Primary

Marie Novak didn't win the primary for Westlake's Ward 2 council seat, but she has a message for her opponent and her voters.

Is levy Failure Certain? 44 Votes Still Need to Be Counted

Provisional votes could trigger an automatic recount.

In an incredibly close race, the Westlake School Levy failed by a total of 47 votes after Tuesday’s night race. Voters cast 3096 “no” votes and 3049 "yes" votes for a total of 6145 votes. But that’s not the entire story. According to Cuyahoga County Board of Election website, there are 44 provisional ballots that still need to be counted. Provisional ballots are not counted for 10 days and the results will not be certified before then. There is also a possibility that Westlake ballots in the mail that were mailed on or before Monday that are getting to the board after yesterday's election need to be counted. That total could result in a recount. By law, a vote total difference of less than ½ of 1 percent triggers automatic recount.  In …

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It's Election Day: Where is Your Polling Location?

Blogger Marie Novak offers some tips to make sure you show up at the right place.

Are You Ready For Election Day? Westlake Election Guide

Brush up on the issues, races before the May 7 Primary.

Brian Thompson, Candidate for Westlake City Council Ward 2

Will seek nomination for November General Election.

Name: Brian Thompson, 73 Employers: Currently:  Self-employed as Attorney at Law, Certified Public Accountant and Lay Minister Party affiliation: Republican Running for a: Local office  Running for position: Westlake City Council Ward 2 Incumbent: No Previous elective offices: None Degrees: BBA - Cleveland State University, 1969;
JD - Cleveland Marshall College of Law, 1975 I look forward to the opportunity of serving as councilperson, and I pledge that I will work diligently to promote the well being and enjoyment of the residents of Ward 2.  

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