Mayfield City Schools is seeking to pass a new levy on the Nov. 5 ballot in order to expand “safety enhancements, increased student services, expansion of early education programs,” as well as their career-readiness programs. Currently, the school system is facing a $1.5 million operating deficit and due to state requirements that schools provide a balanced forecast for five years the school would face “immediate budget reductions,” according to the district’s website. The levy would generate $7,743,000 million annually if approved by voters, according to the district. The continuing 5-mill levy would cost an additional $175 a year per $100,000 in property value, according to the Cuyahoga County Fiscal Officers’ website. This is the first time Mayfield City Schools has sought additional funding in eight years, and Director of Community Relations Laurie Uhlir stated that the money would be used to maintain the “schools’ daily operations, ensuring our teachers and staff continue to deliver high-quality education and prepare our students for their futures. “When the district passed its last levy in 2016, it indicated that it would be back in four years and was able to extend the levy cycle eight years through prudent financial management,” she continued. “In the current fiscal year, projected cash outflows… surpass cash inflows… leading to an operating deficit.” According to the district, the over $20 million it has spent on building improvement funding came from carryover cash reserves held within the district, which must be used for one-time expenses, rather than operating expenses. “Operationally, the district has implemented a number of capital programs to improve not only the safety of the buildings but also to improve efficiency,” the district website states. “The district utilized a portion of its Federal stimulus money stemming from COVID to replace antiquated window and window systems at Millridge Elementary and the High School as well as implementing a new HVAC management system. “Additionally, the district evaluated its utility consumption and purchasing programs, adding a solar panel to the HS campus, and has saved in excess of $500,000 annually since 2020.” Part of the funding from the levy, according to Uhlir and the district’s website, would be used toward early education programs in addition to security enhancements and expansion of early education programs. “Mayfield recognizes that literacy and numeracy are fundamental to all learning and is dedicated to equipping every student with these essential skills,” Uhlir wrote in the statement. “One of the most important focus areas in the Mayfield City Schools is providing a safe and secure learning environment for our students, teachers and staff each and every day. The Mayfield City Schools Safety and Security Plan is continually under review and assessment by school officials and the district’s Safety Committee.” “Finally, and since the last levy passed in 2016, the average annual operating expense percentage change has averaged 3.0%.  Typical school district inflation averages between 4-6%.  We will always strive to stretch our dollars without compromising student achievement.” Uhlir continued in the statement.