VOTE FOR ISSUE 5
LORAIN SCHOOLS LEVY

This May, the Lorain City Schools are asking taxpayers to pass an 11-mill operating levy. If passed, it would generate approximately $10.7 million per year to fund district operating costs.

If passed, Issue 5 will cost homeowners: •       $385 per year for a home valued at $100,000. •       Approximately $32 per month for a home valued at $100,000.

Voting for Issue 5 will allow Lorain City Schools to: •       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

Issues 21 & 22 were renewals of existing levies — not new taxes. The district has not passed a new-money levy since 1992, over 30 years ago.

If Issue 5 fails, Lorain City Schools, will face: •       An additional $4–$8 million in cuts •       More teacher and staff layoffs •       Potential school building closures •       25% of total funding lost in two years •       Larger class sizes district-wide •       Further reduction in student programs and services

Lorain City Schools has already cut $17.5 million — nearly 16% of its annual budget — including 160+ staff positions, building consolidations, pay freezes, and canceled programs

A comprehensive explanation of district current finances can be found at lorainschools.org/forward Lorain City Schools made its budget reduction plan as part of a required submission to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. Our plan outlines how Lorain City Schools will address current financial realities while continuing to prioritize student learning and safe, supportive school environments.

Since returning to local control, the Lorain City Schools have created and are implementing a strategic plan to improve academic performance. The district is trending in the right direction: Our graduation rate is the highest since 2009, and the class of 2025 will be higher yet at 84%. State and local measures show that the district has high quality and very successful Early College and Career Technical, ROTC, Science Technology, Engineering Arts and Math (STEAM) programs. All LHS cohorts are at the highest level of on-track status compared to four years ago.

Since returning to local control, enrollment continues to trend in a positive direction. Our district has increased enrollment by nearly 900 students, with enrollment now at nearly 6,300 students and gaining!

Election Day is May 5th and early voting starts April 7th. Residents can register to vote until April 6th. To register to vote, click here: Online Voter Registration – Ohio Secretary of State To request an absentee ballot, click here: absentee ballot application To check your voter registration status, click here: Voter Lookup - Lorain , Ohio For a list of polling locations, click here: 2025 General Allocation.xlsx