AVON LAKE, Ohio (WOIO) – More than 50% of voters said no to two major issues impacting Avon Lake City Schools.

Numbers 15 and 16 included many improvements for the district, including the construction of new elementary and middle schools and renovation of the high school.

Given the possibility that the problems will not be resolved, the school system has developed different scenarios for what the future of the school system could look like. A few ideas listed include closing Erieview Elementary School, reducing staff, eliminating their full-day kindergarten program, and increasing tuition for things like sports.

Wilkins Santiago, a father of two, told 19 News he was disappointed the issues weren’t resolved.

“I was devastated, you know, because my kids are in school and you know they’re still young,” Santiago said.

Voters who said no to those questions told 19 News they felt the school system was asking a lot of them.

Stressing that times are tough and they have no extra money to give to a school system that is not growing.

“It’s hard because right now the economy is bad, it’s hard to get by,” Santiago said.

The school system released this statement Wednesday morning:

“Despite the dedicated efforts and hard work of our school family members, numbers 15 and 16 failed in yesterday’s election. Despite these results, I would like to thank the community not only for voting, but also for the meaningful interaction we, as district leaders, have experienced with you over the past few months. Conversations, information sharing, public meetings, phone calls, emails, in-person and small group gatherings throughout the community all demonstrate active participation and an increased level of engagement in our family of schools. ‘Avon Lake City.

That said, district leaders will begin to finalize the various decisions and timelines that will directly impact our school district’s operations in the very near future and, as a result, we will continue to communicate updates with our school family. Avon Lake City Schools will continue to remain dedicated to the children of this community and providing them with the tools they need to be adaptable, have great character and be ready for life and success.”

– Superintendent, Joelle M. Magyar

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