Willoughby-Eastlake Voters Decide on School District Structure and Tax Levy

Voters in the Willoughby-Eastlake school district decided on the structure of the high schools, which will be decided by an earned income tax levy this November. A majority yes vote would keep both Eastlake North and Willoughby South high schools open and fund building upgrades. A majority no vote would merge the district into one high school and one middle school for the 2028-2029 school year, resulting in layoffs. Patrick Ward, the newly named superintendent, spoke about the levy.

The decision directly impacts the long-term operational structure of the school district, determining whether two high schools remain separate or consolidate. The outcome of the vote will establish the district's funding mechanism and influence local employment levels through potential layoffs.