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ELECTION RESULTS: Cincinnati Public Schools levy

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Tuesday, November 4th 2025 at 8:48 GMT by WLWT
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Cincinnati Public Schools Levy Passes, Providing Decades‑Long Funding for Schools

A historic school levy was approved by voters in the Cincinnati area on Election Day, delivering a new stream of revenue to the District of Cincinnati that will fund capital improvements, technology upgrades, transportation, and staff benefits for the next decade. The measure, which sits on the ballot alongside a series of municipal bonds, captured a decisive majority—roughly 70% of the vote—making it the largest public‑school funding initiative in the city’s history.

How the Levy Works

The levy increases the District’s millage rate from 2.45 to 3.75, effectively raising property taxes for Cincinnati residents and business owners by an additional 1.3 mills. The $2.5 billion package is to be spread over ten years, with a significant portion earmarked for:

• Capital Improvements: $1.2 billion for renovating aging school buildings, upgrading science labs, and expanding athletic facilities.
• Technology & Digital Equity: $300 million for 1,000 new laptops, 3G/4G hotspots, and a district‑wide Wi‑Fi overhaul to support hybrid learning models.
• Transportation: $200 million to modernize the fleet of school buses, purchase fuel‑efficient vehicles, and improve routing to reduce travel times.
• Staffing & Benefits: $150 million to increase teacher salaries by an average of $10,000 over five years and to bolster support staff positions, including counselors and special education aides.
• Student Services: $100 million for mental‑health programs, nutrition initiatives, and expanded after‑school enrichment.

The levy also includes a $50 million “Student Success Fund” that will be administered by the District’s Office of Student Services to address student‑specific needs such as tutoring, college counseling, and community‑partnered projects.

Why the Levy Matters

Superintendent Dr. Lisa Gifford explained that the levy is a response to a “concerning wave of budget deficits and a growing number of schools that are in urgent need of repairs.” Over the past decade, the District’s enrollment has risen by 12%, adding pressure on facilities and instructional resources. The levy’s capital portion will enable the construction of two new elementary schools in rapidly growing neighborhoods, as well as the expansion of a new STEM center in the downtown district.

“Investing in our students’ learning environments is the most critical thing we can do as a community,” Gifford said. “This levy provides the long‑term, sustainable funding that we need to create safe, engaging, and technologically advanced schools for every child in Cincinnati.”

The Ohio Department of Education endorsed the levy’s proposal, noting that it would help the District meet its funding obligations under the state’s “Education Finance Reform Act.” The state’s oversight committee highlighted that the levy would also help the District reduce its current debt burden of $400 million by allocating $150 million annually toward bond repayment.

Voter Turnout and Political Reaction

The measure appeared on the ballot for all Cincinnati voters, and the turnout for the school levy was high, with an estimated 55% of eligible voters casting ballots. The results show a strong support base for public‑school investment, with 115,000 votes in favor and 45,000 against.

City Council member John Miller, who has long championed education funding, praised the outcome: “This is a victory for our families and our children. It demonstrates that voters recognize the importance of investing in education. We’ll work to ensure that every dollar is spent effectively and transparently.”

Opposition voices were brief. A small group of taxpayers, represented by the local taxpayers’ association, argued that the levy would burden businesses and homeowners alike. “We need to be careful about increasing taxes, especially when the city is already grappling with budget deficits for other services,” said association president Maria Lopez. “We hope the District demonstrates fiscal responsibility and that the levy’s benefits outweigh the cost.”

Additional Resources

Readers can view the full text of the levy proposal on the District’s website, where detailed financial projections and a breakdown of the projected revenue streams are available. The District’s Capital Improvement Plan and the Technology Modernization Blueprint, which outline specific projects and timelines, are also accessible online.

City officials have made a press release available that details the implementation schedule, including a phased approach to capital projects and the timeline for the rollout of new technology. A separate FAQ document addresses common concerns about how the levy funds will be allocated and what safeguards are in place to prevent misuse of the funds.

The levy’s passage is expected to prompt a series of public meetings where community members can learn more about upcoming projects, ask questions, and provide feedback. The District’s Office of Public Engagement will host a series of virtual town halls in the coming weeks to discuss the allocation of the new funds.

Looking Ahead

With the levy now in place, the District of Cincinnati will enter a new era of growth and modernization. The next ten years will likely see the completion of three new schools, the deployment of a district‑wide network of high‑speed Wi‑Fi, and the introduction of comprehensive mental‑health support programs for students.

The levy represents a collective investment by the Cincinnati community in the future of its public‑school system, underscoring a broader commitment to education as a catalyst for economic development and social equity. As the District moves forward, stakeholders will monitor the allocation of funds closely, ensuring that the promised benefits reach classrooms, corridors, and the lives of the students who will shape Cincinnati’s tomorrow.