LORAIN, Ohio — Rather than cutting programs or forcing layoffs, Lorain City Schools is buying out teachers.

Lorain City Schools imposed a 4.97 mill improvement levy on this year’s November ballot.

The levy would generate about $3.5 million per year, or $17.7 million, over the life of the levy.

According to the Certificate of Estimated Property Tax Revenue provided by the Lorain County Auditor, the levy would have cost households $174 per year or $14.50 per month for a home valued at $100,000.

Forty-four point sixty-five percent of voters voted for it, while 55.35 percent voted against the levy.

The levy was the same amount taxpayers paid on two bond issues over the past 20 years: One bond will expire this year and the other next year, according to Lorain City Schools.

“(I’m) disappointed. Our community has been very clear on its position on this. I think there was a lot of confusion. It was difficult to explain in just a few points,” Lorain City Schools Superintendent Jeff Graham said Thursday evening. “With the presidential election, it’s a lot of noise and it was just hard to compete with the messaging. I think some of that worked against us.

The levy would have been used to repair the building’s necessities.

“We have leaky roofs. We have HVAC systems coming out. Boiler systems need repair, and those things cost money,” Graham added.

Without the levy, Graham said the school district will have to dip into its general fund for now.

This is only a temporary solution, however.

On Thursday, another option was publicly proposed.

“A possible severance buyout for teachers, meaning you don’t have to retire, but you can’t work here afterward,” Graham said. “He’s not someone who’s trying to force people to leave. We have an extraordinary staff. (We) love them. It’s just purely financial.

The school district needs at least 20 volunteers. These cannot include substitute teachers, part-time staff or those who retired and then were rehired.

However, having 15 educators would allow the district to break even.

Eligible staff members will receive $65,000 plus applicable sick leave pay. That money will be divided into 60 equal payments, and those who accept the severance offer will not be able to teach in the Lorain school district for 60 months.

Severance pay will only be taxed after it is withdrawn.

The last day for these employees would be June 30, 2025, and their severance packages would not take effect until October.

The school district may retain some of these employees for up to an additional year, after which their severance packages will take effect.

“It’s a pretty generous envelope, but I understand that the community is going to have some questions. You’re asking for a levy, you’re giving money to teachers, but it’s a cost-saving measure so the district can get some of the highest paid teachers to retire and enjoy their lives and then bring in successful younger teachers. a little less money,” said Julie Garcia, president and teacher of the Lorain Education Association.

Garcia has taught in the Lorain school system for 35 years. She said she’s seen severance packages offered once or twice before to keep costs down.

These vacant positions will be fully or partially filled.

Severance pay is a unique offer.

Once the plan is finalized, eligible employees will have 45 days to make a decision.

Garcia said she thinks at least 20 educators will take up the offer, as many have already started inquiring about it.

“I just have to wonder how much would be the maximum,” she added.

Graham said 94 Lorain City Schools educators meet retirement requirements. There are a total of 530 teachers in the district.

“We have to adjust our staff accordingly and now we just have to adjust further,” he noted.

Hypothetically, if the district doesn’t meet the volunteers’ mark, Graham said the school board would re-evaluate the proposal.

“Take their time. Make the best decision for them and their family. If there is anything we can do by providing more information or consultation, please let us know,” Graham said.

The goal is to save at least $10 million over five years if enough teachers come forward and accept the severance package.

Graham said the idea of ​​a severance package was first discussed two years ago.