Wadsworth City Schools’ proposed earned income tax issue was overwhelmingly rejected by voters Tuesday night, highlighting a difficult evening for several school funding requests across Northeast Ohio.
The proposed 1.5% earned income tax would have generated an estimated $13 million annually for Wadsworth City Schools operations. Voters defeated the issue by a nearly 69 to 31 percent margin, with roughly 5,400 no votes compared to about 2,400 yes votes.
Board of Education Responds
Following the election results, the Wadsworth City Schools Board of Education released a statement acknowledging the levy defeat while reaffirming its commitment to students, staff and the community.
“While this is not the outcome we had hoped for, we respect the voice of our community and remain committed to our students, families and educators,” the statement said.
District leaders said the failed initiative does not end discussions surrounding the district’s financial future. The Board said it plans to continue listening to residents and working collaboratively to identify solutions moving forward.
The statement also noted that public education continues to face financial pressures from multiple factors, adding that the district will work proactively to maintain the level of excellence expected by the community.
Other School Issues Across Northeast Ohio
Wadsworth was not alone. Voters also rejected school funding issues in Norton, Barberton, Tallmadge, Twinsburg and Strongsville. In Cuyahoga County, Independence Local Schools voters rejected a combined income tax and bond issue that would have funded construction of a new PreK-through-8 school building.
However, several districts did receive voter support.
Solon City Schools passed a continuing 6.9-mill levy for current operating expenses, the district’s first operating levy request since 2018. Lakewood City Schools voters also approved a continuing 6.9-mill levy supporting operations, staffing, technology and safety improvements.
Other Local Issues
Outside of school issues, voters approved several public safety and community funding requests across Summit County.
Hudson voters approved a property tax renewal and increase for city services. Norton voters also passed a renewal levy supporting Fire and EMS services, including areas overlapping Wayne County. Library funding requests passed in both Hudson and Cuyahoga Falls, while voters also approved two Valley Fire District levies.
Meanwhile, Springfield Township voters rejected a Fire and EMS levy, and a Coventry Township current expenses issue also failed. Twinsburg Township voters also rejected an issue tied to general construction projects.
Medina County Races
Medina County voters also decided several closely watched races in Tuesday’s primary election.
In the Republican primary for Medina County Auditor, challenger Rick Dumperth defeated incumbent Anthony Capretta by a 54 to 46 percent margin. Dumperth will now face Democrat Carol Brenstuhl in the November general election.
Meanwhile, in the Republican primary for Ohio’s 66th House District, Sean Hutson defeated Aiden Haggard. Hutson advances to the November ballot where he will face Democrat Chris Nardo for the seat currently held by Representative Sharon Ray, who is not seeking reelection.
According to unofficial results from the Summit County Board of Elections, voter turnout reached approximately 23%, with more than 84,000 ballots cast countywide.
All election results remain unofficial through local boards of elections.
