West Geauga Removes Bond Issue From May Ballot

CHESTERLAND - In an intensely watched meeting of the West Geauga Board of Education, the board voted to approve an emergency resolution to remove the district’s $128,000,000 bond from the May 6 special election. 

Members of the public voiced their concerns over the vote, stating concerns ranging from the board’s ability to provide fiscally responsible leadership to concerns the bond may be moved to a special August election, where fewer members of the public may be inclined to know about the vote. The bond has been seen as controversial due to the board’s previous chastisement by the county budget commission over “hoarding money” and misappropriating the terminology of ‘emergency’ to get levies passed that were not truly needed.

Board president Christina Sherwood stated she believed the levy, while important to her, did not reflect the current desires of the community at this time. 

 “This is not the right time,” Sherwood said. “What I want for the kids is something that I feel passionate about but this is not about what I want, this is what the community wants to support.” 

Sherwood also stressed concerns members of the community had regarding many not knowing about the bond issue coming and a growing concern among the elderly members of the community regarding funding. Sherwood did state she currently has “zero intention” of putting the measure on an August ballot. Board member Pam Claypool also stated her reservations about moving forward with the May bond initiative.

“The timing is not good, and the cost is a lot,” Claypool said. “Seniors are very stressed and that is probably an understatement.”

Claypool stated her desire to form another bond committee to evaluate the district’s bond issuance and finances. Claypool also stated her opinion that based on the public opinion she has heard, she was not confident the initiative would pass at the polls.