Northeast Ohio: School districts facing tough times

CLEVELAND -- Many area school districts asked voters for more money this November election day, but it appears many voted their wallets in this tough economy.

Northeast Ohio election results

Most of the Cuyahoga County school issues have failed.  But in Richmond Heights, where voters had rejected six levies in a row, the school tax issue passed 52% to 48%.

In Euclid, the bond issue there failed by just 44 votes, so expect a recount on that vote.

In Parma, for the fourth time voters rejected a levy. Now the district needs to cut $6 million dollars by July or the state could take over the district's finances.

"We may have to cut elementary teachers and that could mean class sizes of 30 to 40 students, or go back to voters," says Superintendent Sarah Zatik.

Political consultants said going into the election that the economy would be the deciding factor for many voters. Cuyahoga County's unemployment rate is at 8.5%, and there were 6 school issues on the ballot in Cuyahoga County.

In Lake County, the Willoughby-Eastlake School levy passed with 51% of the vote.

In Geauga County, the Ledgemont School District's earned income tax credit failed by just 8 votes, making a recount likely. That district could fall into state receivership with no new money coming in.