View these frequently asked questions to learn more information about the levy.

What is on the Nov. 3 ballot?
The Elyria City Schools Board of Education voted to place an 8.9-mill emergency levy that, if approved, would raise $11.6 million per year to fund the district’s operations.

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What does this issue fund?
The levy would provide critical operating dollars to help the district continue paying for the teachers, support staff, technology, and tools that educate more than 6,000 Elyria students every day. It also supports the day-to-day operating costs like utilities and transportation that every organization must pay. 

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How much will these issues cost property owners?
The levy would cost property owners within the district about $26 per month per $100,000 of county auditor appraised value.

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We just voted on a levy in May. Why are you back on the ballot?

The May levy did not pass, but the district's funding need has not gone away. Without additional funding, the district faces an $8 million budget shortfall. Because school districts are legally prohibited from operating in a deficit, we must either increase funding, or make drastic cuts to the programs and services our students need.

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What cuts have you already made to balance your budget? How have you shown fiscal responsibility?

In June, the Board of Education voted on a reduction plan effective 2026-2027 school year, totaling $9 million.

• 45 teaching positions eliminated; 12 substitutes, 9 tutors, and 5 student support positions cut; 12 administrative positions eliminated; classified staff hours reduced.

• Busing scaled back to state minimums, reduced crossing guards (students living 2 miles or more from their school, up from the previous 1.25-mile limit)

• Reduced funding for classroom materials, vocational experiences for special education students, field trips, and contracted services.

The district takes measures to ensure that it is operating as efficiently as possible and has cut costs and streamlined services over the years. ECS has also been recognized for its fiscal responsibility, earning 20+ consecutive clean audit awards from the Auditor of State. The district has also received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association every year since 1998.

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Why are the schools on the ballot now?
Ohio public schools rely on state and local dollars, but the state only picks up part of the tab for things like salaries, transportation, and utilities. Local levies are supposed to cover the rest but they don't grow with inflation or rising property values. A levy from years ago still brings in about the same amount today, so as costs climb, the gap between revenue and expenses keeps widening. And Elyria Schools haven't asked voters for new operating money since 2010.

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What happens without this levy?
Without the levy, Elyria City Schools would need to cut an additional $8 million from its operating budget. Because districts are prohibited from operating at a deficit, these cuts would not be optional. The district would have no choice but to make them. That likely means significant reductions to anything not mandated by the state, including extracurriculars, electives, and student support services. The result would place the district in serious financial jeopardy and disrupt learning throughout the school system.

 

How do students at Elyria City Schools perform compared to other, similar school districts in Ohio?
Students at Elyria City Schools typically outperform students from similarly sized school districts in similar environments on standardized tests and are well-equipped with the skills needed for college and/or careers. ECS offers more than 200 academic, arts, and sports clubs and teams at the high school level to further our students' education and enrich their experience by creating opportunities to build leadership, teamwork, critical thinking, and other skills.

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How and where can I vote?
The deadline to register to vote in the November Election is Monday, Oct. 5. Click here to check your registration status to ensure you’re registered by the deadline. You can register or update your registration by clicking here.

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Election Day is Nov. 3. Find your polling location by visiting the Lorain County Board of Elections website. Polling locations will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. for those who prefer to cast their vote on election day.

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You can also vote early and in person beginning Oct. 6 at the Lorain County Board of Elections (1985 N Ridge Rd. East, Lorain). Click here for the full early, in-person voting schedule.

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You can also vote absentee by mail, but you must request an absentee ballot first. Visit the Lorain County Board of Elections website to request an absentee ballot. All requests must be received by the Board no later than 8:30 p.m. on Oct. 27. Once you’ve made a request, you can track your ballot by clicking here.