5.9-Mill Schools Levy Will be on the May Ballot

On Monday, the Westlake Board of Education voted to put a 5.9-mill operating levy on the May 7 ballot. 

If approved, Issue 16 will cost voters approximately $180 per $100,000 home valuation.

The last operating levy passed in Westlake in 2006. The Westlake School Board opted to move forward with the levy after reaching a new contract agreement with the teachers union. 

The new agreement includes a pay cut during the time of the 18-month contract, along with increased health care costs for teachers. Read more about the new contract here.

The agreement is expected to save the district more than $5 million.

Supporters said approval of the levy would maintain current programming, eliminate the need for additional cuts, and would allow the district to avoid further cuts to transportation services.