Cleveland voters pass schools levy

The big picture: Clevelanders backed the levy in the face of rising local tax burdens and a challenging climate for school levies statewide.

• The new 10-year operating levy will cost homeowners about $300 for every $100,000 of their home's value per year.
• It also extends by 35 years the existing bond issue, which costs homeowners about $93 per $100,000.

State of play: The pro-Issue 49 campaign has said funds will be used to maintain facilities, preserve student and family health services, and improve school safety.

• Schools chief Warren Morgan said as many as 700 teachers would be laid off if the levy failed.

Zoom out: Five other local school levies were on the ballot in Cuyahoga County yesterday.

• Votes were still being counted late last night.