Garfield voters say 'yes' to school levy for first time in 20 years

GARFIELD HEIGHTS, Ohio - For the first time in 20 years, the Garfield Heights School District has passed a new operating levy. Issue 10 was approved by 133 votes on Tuesday.

"This was a great victory for Garfield Heights and our students," Superintendent Linda Reid said.

The levy will provide $4.1 million a year to prevent more program cuts in the Garfield Heights schools. The school district has already made more than $4.5 million in cuts, including 75 positions, over the past two fiscal years.

In January, the school day was shortened when elementary school music, art, and gym were cut to put more focus on reading and math.

Superintendent Linda Reid thanked the levy campaign's leadership team and the residents of Garfield Heights.

"They agreed with us that a strong community needs a strong school district and we're just ecstatic," she said. "We can't wait to move forward and give our kids the things that they deserve."