Why Is This Levy Needed?

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The district is now forced to cut nearly $17.5 million per year — almost 16% of the annual budget. This financial reality did not come from district decisions or mismanagement. Revenue was cut at the state, federal, and county levels, and the district was not notified in time to make meaningful adjustments for the 2025–26 school year.

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Revenue Losses:

• $4.9 million — State funding reduction (notified June 2025)

• $787,000 — Federal funding freeze (notified August 2025)

• $1.02 million — Lorain County Commissioners doubled local property tax exemptions (October 2025)

• Total annual revenue loss: $6.7 million per year (~6% of the annual budget)

 

What Has Already Been Cut?

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The district has already taken aggressive action to reduce spending before asking voters for support. The Board of Education approved the following:

• 160+ educator and staff positions eliminated (106 teachers, ~30 paraprofessionals, 16 administrators)

• Two elementary buildings repurposed (one for mandatory preschool, one for a new autism school)

• Non-classroom student support services eliminated

• All field trips canceled

• Capital maintenance needs deferred

• Administrator pay freeze implemented

• Professional development canceled

• Contracted busing brought in-house, saving $620,000 per year

• Curriculum implementation postponed (saving $700,000)

If Issue 5 Passes

• Stabilize district finances

• Restore school counselors and social workers

• Return to full-day preschool

• Bring back student supports and programming in 2027–28

• Potentially rehire some laid-off staff

• Protect neighborhood schools and keep class sizes manageable

 

If Issue 5 Fails

• We will no longer be able to provide additional services or continue certain programs that our children need and deserve.

• An additional $4–$8 million in cuts

• More teacher and staff layoffs

• Potential school building closures

• Larger class sizes district-wide