Issue 1: Mentor Schools 8.8-Mill Renewal Levy

Residents in the Mentor Schools district will vote on an 8.8-mill renewal levy on the May 7 ballot.

The renewal levy would continue to cost the owner of a $100,000 home $22.50 per month. The levy is a renewal of an existing tax, and if approved, would not raise taxes above what residents now pay.

To Mentor administrators, a large part of renewing the levy would be a pledge by voters to uphold the district's "Excellent with Distinction" performance on the most recent state report card.

"What our community understands is that we're performing at the highest academic level we can in the State of Ohio," Superintendent Matthew Miller said. "We have a very good, positive track record.

"When looking at communities and school districts, I think our taxpayers are getting top results. That's something we're proud of and want to maintain."

Voters first approved a five-year emergency levy in 2004, then renewed it in 2008. It brings in about $15 million per year.

The levy represents 18 percent of the district's general fund. 

Miller said the district has been adjusting to reduced funding from the state by reducing staff as enrollment has decreased in the last eight to 10 years.

"We've lived within our means," district CFO Dan Wilson said. "We're perceived to be a wealthy school district, but the state's not coming in to help us. Our annual increase in spending has been less than 1 percent the last three years.

"We're simply asking that (voters) continue to provide the support. It's up to us to take care of ourselves."