NOVEMBER 3, 2026 ELECTION: ISSUE 6

CUYAHOGA FALLS CITY SCHOOL DISTRICT OPERATING LEVY

What is Issue 6?

Issue 6 is a 5.5-mill operating levy placed on the November 2026 General Election ballot by the Cuyahoga Falls City School District (CFCSD) Board of Education. If approved, the levy would generate approximately $6.1 million annually to support the district's general operating budget and maintain current educational programs, student services, and daily operations.


Why is the operating levy necessary?

Despite years of cost-saving measures and careful financial management, district revenues are no longer keeping pace with rising operating expenses such as salaries, benefits, utilities, transportation, insurance, and instructional costs. Without additional operating revenue, the district projects a cash deficit by the end of Fiscal Year 2029. 


How much would the levy cost homeowners?

The proposed levy will cost approximately $193 per year (before any state reimbursements) for every $100,000 of the county auditor's appraised market value of a home. 


When was the last new operating levy approved?

The district's last new money operating levy was approved by voters in 2019. While many school districts return to voters every 2–3 years for additional operating revenue, CFCSD was able to stretch the 2019 levy to provide funding for seven years through careful financial management and cost-saving measures. 


How was the district able to stretch the 2019 levy for seven years?

The district implemented numerous cost-saving measures, including:


Why can’t we just cut things to balance the budget?


What does the levy pay for?

Operating levy funds support the district's day-to-day educational operations, including:


Didn't increasing property values already provide the district with more money?

No. Although property values have increased, those increases do not result in comparable increases in school district operating revenue. Under Ohio House Bill 920, approved operating levies are adjusted as property values increase so that school districts generally receive the same amount of revenue originally approved by voters. As a result, rising property values primarily reduce the effective tax rate rather than generate additional operating revenue for the district.


How does state funding affect the district?

The State of Ohio's share of funding for public education continues to decline, placing a greater burden on local communities to support their schools. Ohio currently ranks 41st in the nation in state funding per pupil, with state support at its lowest level since 1997. For CFCSD, state funding is projected to make up only 10% of the district's foundation funding by Fiscal Year 2028—the minimum level permitted under Ohio law. This equates to approximately $822 per student from the state. As state support decreases, local funding becomes increasingly important to maintaining the programs, services, and educational opportunities our students and community expect.


How are district spending decisions made?

CFCSD is committed to financial transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources. The district uses Zero-Based Budgeting, requiring departments to justify expenditures each year to ensure resources are aligned with current priorities and student needs. District spending is guided by the Board of Education's 2025 Strategic Plan and supports its three priorities:

The district's commitment to sound financial management has been recognized through awards from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO), and the Ohio Auditor of State Award with Distinction.


When is the next levy after this one?


My kids never went here or have graduated. Why should I vote for this?

What happens if the levy does not pass?

If Issue 6 does not pass, the district will be required to make significant reductions to balance the budget and maintain financial stability. Without additional operating revenue, the district would need to reduce expenditures by an estimated $3.3 million by the beginning of the 2028-29 school year. Because approximately 80% of the district’s operating budget supports personnel costs, staffing reductions would likely be unavoidable. Up to 50 instructional, administrative, and support staff positions could be eliminated, impacting class sizes, student services, programming, and daily operations.

The Board of Education and administration have identified the following items as potential reductions and operational changes that would be considered. These reductions would directly affect the programs, services, and opportunities currently available to students. A combination of these measures, including additional staffing reductions, will be necessary if the levy does not pass: