Let's Talk About School Funding

In the last 25 years, Nordonia has only passed 3 operating levies.

School districts in Ohio are primarily funded through property taxes. As costs rise, the revenue needed to operate our schools increases.

Schools periodically ask for a levy to generate new revenue to cover rising costs. It’s important to know that asking for a levy does not demonstrate a failure of planning. Even with the most conservative spending plan, a levy will occasionally be needed to keep pace with inflation.

HB 920 – A little history . . .

In 1976, the Ohio legislature enacted property tax reform known as House Bill 920. Its purpose was to keep inflation from increasing voted taxes.

When the voters approve a tax levy, they are agreeing to pay a certain amount of money for a specific purpose, over a given time period. Each property owner pays their share, in proportion to the value of their property.

If property values increase, the amount of voter approved millage is reduced to ensure the schools receive the exact dollar amount approved by voters.

The 2019 Levy

In May of 2019, a 6.98 mill operating levy passed overwhelmingly. The district promised to maintain class sizes and busing, make needed repairs to aging facilities and systems, increase mental health services for students in need, and add programs to keep Nordonia students competitive with students from area school districts.

The district has kept its word and delivered on each of those promises. Inflation has simply risen enough to require an increase in funding to maintain the same quality of education.

On November 5th, 2024 Nordonia Schools will ask voters to approve a new levy

Over the last 5 years, the costs to operate our schools have risen significantly.

Due to inflation, we need a new levy to maintain class sizes, repair our aging buildings, and support student success. The proposed levy will provide 4 mils operations and 1 mil facilities funding. It will cost homeowners about $14.58 per month, per $100k of appraised value.