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If voters approve Issue 4 on Nov. 4, CMSD will build 20 to 22 schools and refurbish 20 to 23.
Approval of Issue 4 will not raise taxes, and the state will contribute more than $2 for every $1 the District spends on new construction.
The projects included in a Master Facilities Plan will give CMSD the flexibility to develop new school models and provide every neighborhood in the city with access to quality school options, both central elements of The Cleveland Plan, a state-approved blueprint for education reform.
Issue 4 includes a $200 million bond issue for new construction and a half-mill levy that will generate $2.5 million a year for maintaining buildings.
The Board of Education has prioritized the hiring of city residents, minorities, women and small businesses on the construction projects.
To view the facilities plan and learn more about Issue 4, go to www.clevelandmetroschools.org
ISSUE 4 FAST FACTS
· Issue 4 will allow for construction of 20 to 22 new schools and the refurbishing of 20-23 schools, and it also will generate $2.5 million a year for building maintenance – all without raising taxes.
· The state will provide more than $2 for every $1 the District spends on construction. That means Issue 4 will bring in an estimated $256.8 million from the state for Cleveland's schools without raising taxes.
· Issue 4 authorizes $200 million in bonds for new construction and a half-mill tax for maintenance.
· CMSD has spent its construction dollars prudently while building and renovating 41 schools since 2001. The District saved taxpayers $42.2 million by refinancing and paying off debt early.
· The CMSD facilities plan that is to be funded by Issue 4 is aligned with the groundbreaking Cleveland Plan. The facilities plan gives CMSD the flexibility to start more new school models and provide every neighborhood with access to quality school options.
· The Cleveland Board of Education has adopted the city’s Community Benefits Agreement to guide future construction. That will prioritize employment of city residents, minorities, females and small businesses on CMSD projects.
· The independent Bond Accountability Commission, which was created in 2001, will continue to monitor the use of bond funds.
Editor’s Note: The Cleveland Metropolitan School District has built and renovated 41 schools since 2001, including Paul L. Dunbar School, as depicted in the photo. Issue 4 would allow the District to build 20 to 22 more schools and refurbish 20 to 23 without raising taxes.
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