OHIO — A number of school districts will have levies on the ballot this November. Education experts are watching to see just how much of an impact voters will have on the passage of them since abortion rights and the legalization of marijuana are also on the ballot. 

What You Need To Know

• Education experts are predicting the two issues will significantly impact voter turnout


• Millions are expected to be spent on advertising both issues for the November election


• Several districts have operating and permanent improvement levies on the ballot and may have to make additional cuts to personnel, class sizes, and courses offered 

“What we also know from our research is that young people support taxes for schools at higher levels than older people,” said Jerry Rampelt, Founder of Support Ohio Schools Research Foundation. “Women support taxes for schools at higher levels than men. Now we have two issues that are going to increase young turnout by young people and increase women.”

So while districts often shy away from putting levies on ballots in odd years because of low turnout, Rampelt said it’s possible that this time, there could be a positive impact because of the other two issues on the ballot. 

Since many districts have come to the end of federal COVID dollars, they’re seeking ways to manage the next few years. Four districts in particular around the state caught Rampelt’s attention.

Shaker Heights Schools, near Cleveland, have multiple items on the ballot this year. One is a bond issue. The others are permanent improvement and operating levies. One of those will help pay for an expanded Pre-K program. Overall, the goal is to raise just over $121 million. Rampelt spends a lot of time advising school districts on their levy campaigns.

“When you have three different things on the ballot, you have voter confusion at times,” Rampelt said. 

Columbus City Schools has a levy on the ballot costing nearly $100 million. It would cover operating expenses and building improvements if passed, but Rampelt’s watching it closely.

“Organized opposition has surfaced in the community and it’s difficult to pass a levy when you have no opposition,” he said. “Now, you have some prominent people in the community who have influence saying, ‘Hey, this is too much. This is the wrong time.’” 

Northmont City Schools and Vandalia-Butler City School District, near the Dayton area, both had items on the ballot fail back in May.

“One had an income tax rejected in May and they’re coming back with an operating property tax this November. The other one had a property tax that failed by 16%. They’ve reduced that by about three mills and they’re coming back with a lower amount,” Rampelt said.

He’s now watching to see if the changes these districts have made will make a difference this time around. 

Regardless of the levies districts have on the ballot, some could face setbacks if they don’t pass.

“So if it’s on the operating side, this is the money they spend for employee salaries, for utilities, books for kids, computers, you know, the basic operations,” Rampelt said. “And if they don’t get additional funds and inflation has hit school districts, just like all of us, they end up having to make some cuts.”

He said those cuts will be in personnel since spending outside of salaries is minimal. That’s besides making cuts in class sizes and course offerings for students.