Ohio Voters Favor School Tax Renewals, Reject Most Requests for New Funding

Ohio voters showed strong support for keeping existing school taxes in place Tuesday, but were far less willing to approve new funding for their local school districts.

According to unofficial results compiled by the Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA), 72 of the 134 school tax issues on the November 3 ballot passed, an overall approval rate of 54%.

The biggest difference came between renewals and requests for additional money.

Voters approved 51 of 63 school tax renewals, an 81% passage rate. However, only 20 of 69 requests for additional funding passed, or 29%.

School district income taxes faced the toughest challenge, with just five of 39 issues approved statewide, a 13% passage rate.

Additional property tax levies fared better, with 10 of 18 passing, while voters approved four of six school bond issues.

The results come amid ongoing concerns about rising household expenses, school operating costs and the tax burden on homeowners.
OSBA CEO Tom Hosler says school boards are trying to balance what families can afford with the increasing cost of educating students.

Research cited by the association found that state financial support for Ohio schools increased nearly 20% between 2011 and 2024, while inflation climbed almost 39% during that same period.

That has left districts facing tough decisions about staffing, transportation, special education and other expenses.

The statewide trend was also reflected locally, where Wadsworth voters rejected a proposed school district earned income tax for the second time.

For districts where levies failed, Hosler says the next step is determining what those results will mean for classrooms, programs and services.

The election results remain unofficial until certified by county boards of elections.