The Kent City Schools Board of Education voted to place a 9.8 mill levy on the May 2026 Primary Election ballot for the public's consideration.

If approved, this levy would generate approximately $8.5 million annually and would provide funding to support the district’s general operating budget and the day-to-day costs associated with operating the school system at its current level of services.

The district’s last operating levy was approved by voters in 2013.

It was expected to last four years, but the district successfully stretched those funds for 13 years.

Kent City Schools implemented numerous cost-saving measures, including:

• A net reduction of 23 teaching, administrative, and support positions.

• Reductions in equipment and supply costs.

• Participation in energy-saving programs.

• Reductions in certain facility expenses.

• Strategic use of federal and state grant funding.

Despite these efforts, district revenues are no longer keeping pace with required expenses.

Kent City Schools projects a cash deficit of approximately $11 million by the end of the fiscal years 2029 if additional operating funding is not secured.

From 2013 to 2025, district utility costs have increased 91%, and school bus costs have increased 48%.

Recent state funding changes are reducing support for public schools. Kent City Schools will experience a reduction of nearly $300,000 this school year and an additional $400,000 reduction next school year.

State spending on public school students is currently at its lowest since 1997.

The 2020 “No New Tax” Bond Issue funded long-term facility improvements.

Bond issues pay for building and infrastructure projects, while operating levies fund the daily operations of the school district.