In a significant show of support for public education, Greater Cincinnati voters took to the polls on Tuesday with multiple school districts' financial futures at stake. Among the measures, Cincinnati Public Schools saw victory with a renewal levy projected to bring in $48 million annually over the next decade. This critical funding, accounting for five percent of the district's operating budget, is celebrated widely as it secures the continuation of Cincinnati's Preschool Promise program.
"I am feeling amazing. I am so proud of the people of Cincinnati; they are clearly standing with us as we continue to work to be here for kids and this passing of Issue 28, this $48 million for the next 10 years," Cincinnati Public's superintendent Shauna Murphy expressed joy after the results were tallied, as reported by LOCAL12. Without the influx of these funds, the future of the Preschool Promise was uncertain, according to Preschool Promise’s CEO Chara Fisher Jackson, who voiced concerns that without this funding, continuation of the program would have likely been untenable.
Meanwhile, the Oak Hills Local School District saw its own bond issue pass with a convincing 67% of the vote, as per LOCAL12. This bond, notably not resulting in a tax increase, will enable the construction of three new school buildings and the installation of air conditioning in the high school—an update that stands to profoundly improve the learning environment.
However, not all school funding measures met with success at the ballot box. The Lakota Local Schools faced a significant setback as their historic levy proposal was rejected by a 61% majority, according to unofficial election results highlighted by The Enquirer. The ambitious bond issue asked for over $506 million, aimed at funding a comprehensive demolition, expansion, and renovation project that would have condensed the district's footprint from 21 buildings down to 16. This was part of a grander $700 million plan, with financing drawn from property taxes over 37 years.
As the dust settles post-election, the Cincinnati Public Schools community celebrates a solid win. On the other side, the Lakota Local School District regroups after a resounding defeat. These varied outcomes highlight the diverse priorities and financial limits within the communities that comprise Greater Cincinnati, reflecting an enduring dialogue on the value and funding of public education. For more details on the passed CPS levy, readers can refer to coverage by WLWT.
