Akron school board approves 7.9 mill levy on ballot

AKRON, Ohio - The Akron Public Schools Board of Education moved one step closer to putting an operating levy on the November ballot.

If approved during a special meeting on Wednesday, it will be up to voters to pass the 7.9 mill levy. The levy would cost the average homeowner in Akron about $15 a month, the school district said.

"We can't keep doing more with less," said Board President Jason Haas, in a news release on Monday. "We're depending on Akron's voters to stand with us and support our schools."

Just a few weeks ago, the board of education passes $22 million in cuts, which will result in about 200 positions being cut. The move was to make up for the 2012-2013 deficit.

"Drastic reductions in revenue threaten to undo years of progress for our district and our community," said Superintendent David W. James. "With this levy request, we will have to continue to trim the budget; but its passage will help strengthen Akron's economy and future."