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Docusign Envelope ID: D7A65FC7- 56D1- 877A- 8006- 667FB8DB9B14 BY: Baker, Bixenstine, Bullock, Evans, RESOLUTION NO. 2026- 16 Steiner, Strebig A RESOLUTION endorsing Issue 2, the new 6.9 mill tax levy proposed by Lakewood City School District to maintain the District' s existing standards of excellence in programming, teaching, technology, and security. WHEREAS, the Lakewood City School District has placed a 6. 9 mill levy on the May 5, 2026 Primary Election ballot as part of the expected cycle of funding necessary to keep Lakewood City Schools strong; and, WHEREAS, year after year the Lakewood City Schools provide a well- rounded education and an opportunity -rich environment to nurture the next generation of thinkers and leaders, capable of succeeding in an ever -changing, complex and global world; and, WHEREAS, it has been six years since voters approved a levy for Lakewood City Schools, and while those levy funds remain flat, operating expenses have increased each year, making it necessary and expected that the District returns to voters on a regular basis seeking additional funds to maintain financial stability; and, WHEREAS, because local property taxes account for over 60% of the Lakewood City School District' s budget and because State funding for public education has declined in recent years, local investment is critical to the financial health and stability of the District; and, WHEREAS, the proposed levy will cost the average Lakewood homeowner an additional $ 36 per month on their property tax bill; and, WHEREAS, the high -quality education offered by Lakewood City Schools directly benefits students as well as the community at large which is strengthened when Lakewood graduates move into the subsequent phases of their lives and careers equipped with the foundational skills, resilience, and empathy that are the key characteristics of a Lakewood graduate; and, WHEREAS, Lakewood' s Community Vision affirms that Lakewood residents prioritize and value a high -quality K- 12 education through excellent schools and supports a culture of lifelong learning; now, therefore, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY OF LAKEWOOD, STATE OF OHIO: Section 1. That this Council does hereby endorse Issue 2, the proposed Lakewood City School District' s tax levy which will be decided by voters in the May 51h, 2026 Primary Election. Section 2. That this Council asks the residents of Lakewood to join in supporting the passage of this important tax levy to help keep our schools strong for the next generation. Section 3. That this Council does hereby remind the public to register to vote and to check their voter registration by the April 6, 2026 deadline. Voter registration materials are available in the City Council Office at City Hall. Section 4. It is found and determined that all formal actions of this Council concerning and relating to the passage of this resolution were adopted in an open meeting of this Council, and that all such deliberations of this Council and any of its committees that resulted in such formal action, were in meetings open to the public, in compliance with all legal requirements. Docusign Envelope ID: D7A65FC7-56D1- 877A-8006-667FB8DB9B14 Adopted: March 16, 2026 Approved: 3 / ?- 0 / 2 to DocuSlgned by: Sarah Kepple, President of Council DocuSlgned by: r Maureen M. Bach, Clerk of Council Meghan t. George, Mayor