Meeting Recap

Dr. Cameron Ryba Explains Upcoming School Levy

Fellow Rotarian Dr. Cameron Ryba, superintendent of Strongsville City Schools, joined us Friday to explain Issue 9, the school levy on the November 3 ballot, and the district’s plans to address its financial challenges.

Dr. Ryba said the defeat of a previous renewal levy reduced annual revenue by approximately $10 million. Since then, the district has drawn down cash reserves and reduced spending while working to preserve students’ educational opportunities.

The district has implemented $1.8 million in reductions this school year, including 15 positions eliminated through attrition. Another $3 million in reductions, affecting 34 positions, is planned for next year. Dr. Ryba emphasized that those reductions will remain in place even if Issue 9 passes. The board also voted to return money set aside for capital improvements to the general fund, extending the district’s financial runway.

Issue 9 is a five-year, 6.7-mill levy. Dr. Ryba explained that the proposal combines revenue intended to replace an expiring levy with approximately $7.5 million in new annual revenue. Although the ballot describes the entire issue as additional, part would replace taxes residents already pay. The presentation also noted a transition year when collections from the existing and proposed levies would overlap.

According to Dr. Ryba, passage would provide five years of financial stability when combined with the planned reductions. Failure would trigger preparations for approximately $13.9 million in further cuts, affecting more than 200 positions, athletics, extracurricular activities, transportation and academic offerings.

Dr. Ryba closed by highlighting Strongsville’s five-star state rating and its comparatively low spending per pupil among other five-star districts in Cuyahoga County. His central message was the importance of preserving the academics, arts, athletics and student supports that contribute to the district’s success.