Finance Overview

Ohio public schools run on a mix of state and local funding. But the state covers only part of the cost of salaries, transportation, and utilities. Local property tax levies are meant to fill the gap but unlike state funding, levies don't grow with inflation or when property values increase. A levy passed years ago still raises roughly the same dollar amount today, even as costs to operate rise which leaves a widening gap between revenue and expenses. Additionally, Elyria Schools haven’t received new operating money since 2010.

To that end, the Elyria Board of Education approved a $9 million budget reduction plan for the 2026-2027 school year, driven by the failure of two levy requests last year, ongoing state funding losses and rising costs the district can't control, like transportation, utilities and state-mandated services.

What the Reduction Plan Included

Staffing (largest share of the plan): 45 teaching positions eliminated; 12 substitutes, 9 tutors, and 5 student support positions cut; 12 administrative positions eliminated; classified staff hours reduced.

Transportation: Busing scaled back to state minimums, reduced crossing guards (students living 2 miles or more from their school, up from the previous 1.25-mile limit)

Operations: Reduced funding for classroom materials, vocational experiences for special education students, field trips, and contracted services. 

What this Means for the Future

District and union leadership agree: these cuts stabilize the budget, but they do not solve the underlying problem. Without meaningful state funding reform, Elyria Schools, like many Ohio districts, will continue to face difficult reductions in the years ahead that directly affect students
and communities. The district's guiding priorities remain protecting the learning environment, maintaining equitable access to programs, and transparent stewardship of public funds.

To address the ongoing shortfall, Elyria City Schools has placed an 8.9-mill operating levy on the November 3, 2026 ballot. If approved, the levy is estimated to generate approximately $11.6 million annually for the district's current operating expenses.

Levy Facts In a Nutshell

8.9 mills -- Operating levy on the ballot
$11.6M -- Estimated annual revenue
$26/month -- Cost for every $100,000 in home value

Quick Links

How and Where Can I Vote?

The deadline to register to vote in the November Election is Monday, Oct. 5. Click here to check your registration status to ensure you’re registered by the deadline. You can register or update your registration by clicking here.

Election Day is Nov. 4. Find your polling location by visiting the Lorain County Board of Elections website. Polling locations will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. for those who prefer to cast their vote on election day.

You can also vote early and in person beginning Oct. 6 at the Lorain County Board of Elections (1985 N Ridge Rd. East, Lorain). Click here for the full early, in-person voting schedule.

You can also vote absentee by mail, but you must request an absentee ballot first. Visit the Lorain County Board of Elections website to request an absentee ballot. All requests must be received by the Board no later than 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 27. Once you’ve made a request, you can track your ballot by clicking here.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Issue on the November ballot

What is on the Nov. 3 ballot?
The Elyria City Schools Board of Education voted to place an 8.9-mill current expense levy that, if approved, would raise $11.6 million per year to fund the district’s operations.

What does this issue fund?
The levy would provide critical operating dollars to help the district continue paying for the teachers, support staff, technology, and tools that educate more than 6,000 Elyria students every day. It also supports the day-to-day operating costs like utilities and transportation that every organization must pay.

How much will these issues cost property owners?
The levy would cost property owners within the district about $26 per month per $100,000 of county auditor appraised value.

We just voted on a levy in May. Why are you back on the ballot?
The May levy did not pass, but the district's funding need has not gone away. Without additional funding, the district faces an $8 million budget shortfall. Because school districts are legally prohibited from operating in a deficit, we must either increase funding, or make drastic cuts to the programs and services our students need.

What cuts have you already made to balance your budget? How have you shown fiscal responsibility?
In June, the Board of Education voted on a reduction plan effective 2026-2027 school year, totaling $9 million.We just voted on a levy in May. Why are you back on the ballot?

• 45 teaching positions eliminated; 12 substitutes, 9 tutors, and 5 student support positions cut; 12 administrative positions eliminated; classified staff hours reduced.
• Busing scaled back to state minimums, reduced crossing guards (students living 2 miles or more from their school, up from the previous 1.25-mile limit)
• Reduced funding for classroom materials, vocational experiences for students in the special education program, field trips and contracted services.

The district takes measures to ensure that it is operating as efficiently as possible and has cut costs and streamlined services over the years. ECS has also been recognized for its fiscal responsibility, earning 20+ consecutive clean audit awards from the Auditor of State. The district has also received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association every year since 1998.

Why are the schools on the ballot now?
Ohio public schools rely on state and local dollars, but the state only picks up part of the tab for things like salaries, transportation and utilities. Local levies are supposed to cover the rest, but they don't grow with inflation or rising property values. A levy from years ago still brings in about the same amount today, so as costs climb, the gap between revenue and expenses keeps widening. And Elyria Schools haven't asked voters for new operating money since 2010.

What happens without this levy?
If the levy is not approved, Elyria City Schools would be required to reduce its operating budget by an additional $8 million. Ohio law does not permit school districts to operate with deficit spending, so these reductions would be mandatory. Reductions of this magnitude would likely affect programs and services that are not required by state law, including extracurricular activities, elective courses and student-support services. The Board of Education would determine the specific reductions necessary to maintain a balanced budget.

How do students at Elyria City Schools perform compared to other, similar school districts in Ohio?
Students at Elyria City Schools typically outperform students from similarly sized school districts in similar environments on standardized tests and are well-equipped with the skills needed for college and/or careers. ECS offers more than 200 academic, arts, and sports clubs and teams at the high school level to further our students' education and enrich their experience by creating opportunities to build leadership, teamwork, critical thinking, and other skills.