9 of 12 Southwest Ohio School Tax Levies Failed

Cincinnati Public Schools, Sycamore Community Schools, and Lakota Local Schools secured their tax measures on Tuesday, November 3, while nine other districts in Southwest Ohio failed to pass their proposed levies. The vote results leave many local school boards facing immediate financial shortfalls.

Cincinnati Public Schools passed a five-year, 7-mill property tax levy by 26,500 votes. This measure will generate $66.33 million annually for the district. Property owners in the district will pay $245 for every $100,000 of appraised value. Superintendent Shauna Murphy stated that the passage of Issue 4 allows the district to protect progress and continue its Strategic Plan.

Sycamore Community Schools approved a combined 6.95-mill tax levy. The measure splits into 5 mills for operating expenses and 1.95 mills for permanent improvements. The district expects to collect $17,993,971 in total. Property owners will pay $243 per $100,000 of appraised value beginning in 2027. Superintendent Chad Lewis thanked the community for its support and noted that the district takes the financial commitment of taxpayers seriously.

Lakota Local Schools passed a 2.2-mill bond issue by fewer than 1,500 votes. The bond will fund the district's master facilities plan, which includes improvements to K-12 transportation and class size stability. The new bond will not begin until 2029. Because it replaces a tax residents already pay, taxpayers will not see an increase. Superintendent Ashley Whitely described the vote as an investment in students and families.

Nine districts failed to pass their levies, prompting immediate planning for budget reductions. North College Hill City Schools failed its 1.25% income tax levy by 175 votes. Superintendent Eugene Blalock said the district will present a financial plan for a $1.8 million reduction for the 2027-2028 school year. The district has already cut 26 positions and reduced spending by $2.1 million.

Southwest Local Schools saw voters reject a 0.25% earned income tax levy that would have generated more than $2 million annually. The district is now looking at ways to make $3 million in budget cuts. Treasurer Thomas Lowe said the district will make additional adjustments to operations and spending to align expenses with available revenue.

Winton Woods City Schools failed a 6.95-mill levy increase that would have generated $5,346,642. The district has already initiated a hiring freeze and suspended its Transportation Call Center. Starting December 1, student organizations and field trips are restricted unless covered by grants. Starting January 1, before- and after-school tutoring and athletic programs are suspended.

Franklin City Schools faced a 64% rejection of its 1.25% earned income tax levy. The measure would have raised $7,375,591 annually. Superintendent Michael Sander said the district is looking at a negative cash balance for the 2029 fiscal year. The board has cut a cumulative $14,392,500 from the budget forecast since the 2022-23 school year.

Fairfield City Schools failed a 1.25% income tax levy for a second time. Superintendent Billy Smith said cuts to student services and programs will take effect at the beginning of the 2027-28 school year if the district does not increase revenue. Smith and Treasurer Jay Phillips will discuss next steps during the November 12 board meeting.

Lebanon City Schools lost a 10-year, 1% income tax levy that would have generated $13.5 million per year. More than 60% of voters rejected the measure. Bethel-Tate Local Schools also failed a renewal levy that would have generated $1.51 million annually. Northwest Local Schools saw more than 57% of voters reject a 1.5% income tax levy that would have replaced two expiring property taxes.