Issue 1
Kent City Schools has placed a 9.8 mill operating levy (Issue 1) on the May 5th Primary Election ballot.
This funding is required to maintain current service levels and address a projected $6.8 Million cash balance deficit after the district successfully stretched 2013 levy funds for 13 years - more than triple the expected lifespan.
95¢ Per Day for Homeowners
95¢
Daily Cost
$6.60
Weekly Cost
$28.58
Monthly Cost
Based on a $100,000 home value; payments would not begin until 2027. View levy notice here.
The Financial Reality
By 2029, the Kent City School District will face a projected $12.6 million structural deficit (the amount by which FY29 expenditures exceed FY29 revenue).
The State of Ohio cut KCSD funding by nearly $300,000 in the current school year.
The State will cut an additional $400,000 in KCSD funding in the next school year.
Inflation has led to an increase in Property and Fleet Insurance (148%), Busses (48%), and Utilities (91%).
Technology costs have also increased by an average of $180,000 per year to provide chromebooks to all students.
State funding for public schools students is the lowest it’s been since 1997.
Frequently Asked Questions
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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.
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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.
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Despite these efforts, district revenues are no longer keeping pace with required expenses.
Kent City Schools currently faces a $6.8 Million deficit ($11 Million by the end of fiscal year 2029)
From 2013 to 2025, district utility costs have increased 91%, property and fleet insurance has increased 148%, and school bus costs have increased 48%.
The district also spends an additional $180,000 per year for chromebooks, while state funding has fallen to the lowest per student since 1997. -
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.
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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.
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Operating funds support expenses such as:
Teacher and staff salaries and wages.
Employee benefits.
Utilities.
Transportation costs, including purchasing new school buses.
Instructional and operational supplies such as classroom materials, paper, and custodial supplies.
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Since 2013, the district has made several investments to strengthen school safety, including:
Hiring a School Resource Officer
Installing safety vestibules in every school building
Upgrading security technology
Implementing a visitor management system
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No. Under Ohio House Bill 920, passed in 1976, schools do not receive additional revenue from rising property values on existing levies.
HB 920 applies a reduction factor to voted levies so revenue remains relatively stable rather than automatically increasing when property values rise.
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If voters approve the levy, taxpayers would not begin paying it until 2027.
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The levy would cost approximately $343 per year for every $100,000 of the county auditor’s market value of a home.
To view the levy posting notice from the Board of Elections, click here.
Make Your Plan To Vote!
In order to vote in the Primary Election, you must be registered to vote by Monday, April 6, 2026.
Check Your Registration
Find Your Polling Location
If you’re voting on Election Day, you must vote at your assigned polling location.
Make Your Plan To Vote
The polls are open on Tuesday, May 5th, from 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM.
If you’re in line by 7:30 PM, stay in line! You have the right to vote!