COLUMBUS — Voters across Ohio approved 115 of 150 school tax issues during the
Nov. 8 general election.
Seventy-seven percent of school tax issues were approved by voters Tuesday, a
decrease from the 2015 general election. Ohio voters approved 93 of 110 school tax issues
in November 2015. The passage rate was 85%, which was unusually high.
Forty-one of 73 new school tax issues were approved Tuesday, a passage rate of
56%. This is a slight increase from the 2015 general election, when 53% of new tax issues
passed. Voters approved 74 of 77 renewal school tax issues on Tuesday’s ballot, a 96%
passage rate. Last year’s renewal approval rate also was 96%.
Faced with funding challenges, reduced revenues and an uncertain economy, many
school districts are having to rely more and more on their local communities for support.
Ohio school districts that were unsuccessful on the ballot Tuesday will likely be forced to
make tough budget decisions, including new rounds of cuts.
“Looking at results over time, this year is the second-highest rate of levy passages
since before 2003,” said Ohio School Boards Association Director of Legislative Services
Damon Asbury. “It is encouraging that, despite continuing issues with the economy,
communities continue to support their local schools.”
Election results are complete but have not been officially certified by the Ohio
secretary of state. OSBA maintains a comprehensive online database on the outcome of
school tax issues across the state. The database is available on the association’s website at
http://links.ohioschoolboards.org/19699. For more information, contact OSBA.
In its 61st year, OSBA leads the way to educational excellence by serving Ohio’s
public school board members and the diverse districts they represent through superior
service, unwavering advocacy and creative solutions.
For more information reachDamon AsburyOSBA director of legislative services(614) 832-6663dasbury@ohioschoolboards.org
