As the school year winds down, Ohio public schools are walking into summer with a serious money problem. And when the 2026-27 school year starts in August, many districts will look different from last fall.
The trouble starts with the ballot box. In the May 5 primary, only 36% of Ohio school levies passed, according to the Ohio School Boards Association. That was 24 out of 66. Seventy-five percent of school income tax levies failed. Just last November, about 65% of school issues passed. The shift was sharp.
Some examples from across the state:
Central Ohio. Pickerington Local Schools' 1.25% income tax failed by more than 3,000 votes. The district expects to be $14 million short by July 2028. Superintendent Charles Smialek said cuts are coming to field trips, middle school sports, summer school, away-game return rides, staff, and a 25% jump in pay-to-play fees.
Southwest Ohio. Fairfield City Schools' levy lost by 53.9%. The district is moving ahead with $4.5 million in cuts before the new school year. North College Hill Schools laid off 18 teachers and five aides in March. Now, after another levy loss, more cuts are likely. Southwest Local Schools lost two power plants that used to fund the district, and a 4-mill property tax to replace that money also failed. One bright spot: Mt. Healthy passed a levy on its fourth try, the first new funding the district has approved in more than 20 years.
Northeast Ohio. Akron Public Schools approved 17 layoffs. Parma will cut $9 million over three years. Barberton plans to lay off 90 staff. Trimble Local Schools in Athens County is in fiscal emergency.
Why so many no votes? Property taxes are up after recent home reappraisals. Gas hit nearly $5 a gallon before the election. And a group is gathering signatures to put a property tax repeal on the November ballot.
The first day of school is coming. So is the bill.
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