School Levy Results: Region divided After May 6 Vote
CINCINNATI — May 7, 2024 — Voters delivered mixed results regarding the school levy proposals on the May 6 ballot. The outcomes, wiht some levies passing and others failing, will determine the future of various school districts. The results highlight critical funding needs and how the levies would be spent.
School Levy Results: A Region Divided
Voters in the region delivered a mixed verdict on the seven school levies presented on the May 6 ballot. Unofficial results reveal a near-even split: three levies were approved, three were rejected, and one ended in a tie.
The outcomes promise contrasting futures for local school districts. Some will gain the financial footing needed to address operating deficits, bolster mental health resources for students, or, as in one case, “simply keep their buildings open.” others now face an even more precarious financial landscape.
Madison Local School District – Tie
Butler County
The levy ended in a dead heat, with each side receiving 620 votes, according to unofficial results from the Butler county Board of Elections.
What’s at stake: The levy’s funds were earmarked to prevent a deficit.
Princeton city School District – Passed
Hamilton County, Butler County, and Warren County
The Princeton City School District’s levy passed by a margin of 53% to 47% despite failing in Butler and Warren counties.
In Hamilton County, the levy passed with 54% of the vote, while it failed in Warren County (58% to 42%) and Butler County (53% to 47%).
What’s at stake: The district faced potential school closures and staff cuts had the levy failed.This levy was a second attempt after a previous failure in November 2024, which led to a hiring freeze, reduced bus transportation, and the elimination of field trips unless fully funded by grants.
The levy funds will be used for:
- Maintaining reasonable class sizes.
- Keeping academic and elective programs available for students.
- Supporting student services,including counseling and mental health resources.
- Preserving extracurricular activities and athletics.
- Ensuring safe and well-maintained school buildings.
Edgewood City School District – Passed
Butler County
The Edgewood city School District’s levy passed with a narrow margin of 51% to 49%, according to unofficial results from the Butler County Board of Elections.
What’s at stake: The district proposed a 4.45 mills tax levy to address its $2.9 million operating deficit. The levy is expected to generate $3 million annually over five years.
Clinton-Massie Local School District – Passed
Warren County and Clinton county
The Clinton-Massie Local schools’ levy passed with 52% to 48% in Warren County and 57% to 43% in Clinton County, according to unofficial results from the respective county boards of elections.
What’s at stake: According to the district’s website, the additional funds generated by the May levy will be used to:
- Maintain current educational programs.
- Continue the implementation of the district’s strategic plan.
- provide permanent improvement funds.
- Keep up with rising costs related to the district’s day-to-day expenses.
This levy was placed on the ballot after voters rejected a similar measure last November. Following that failure, the district planned to eliminate roughly 10 teaching positions for the 2025-2026 school year, cut four support positions, and increase pay-to-participate fees. It remains to be seen if these changes will still occur.
Mt. healthy City School District – Failed
Hamilton County
The Mt. Healthy City School District’s levy failed with 62% voting against it and 38% in favor, according to unofficial results from the Hamilton County Board of Elections.
What’s at stake: The district faces budget shortfalls, leading to program cuts, increased class sizes, and reduced services. The levy money would have funded:
- Teacher and staff salaries.
- Classroom supplies.
- Student support services, such as counseling and special education.
- Facility maintenance and technology upgrades.
- Transportation and other operational needs.
Voters also rejected Mt. Healthy City School’s levy last November. The district was placed on fiscal emergency by the state that same year.
West Clermont Local School District – Failed
Clermont County
The West Clermont Local Schools’ combined levy failed with a meaningful margin of 83% to 17%, according to unofficial results from the Clermont County Board of Elections.
What’s at stake: According to a press release from the district,the levy would have funded the Master Facilities Plan,which addresses:
- Overcrowding.
- Aging facilities.
- Inequity between school buildings.
- “Diverse needs” of the district’s growing student body.
The plan included building two new buildings, one for fifth and sixth graders and one for seventh and eighth graders, and also a new elementary school.
Franklin City School District – failed
Warren County
Franklin City Schools’ levy failed with 66% voting against it and 34% in favor, according to unofficial results from the warren County Board of Elections.
What’s at stake: Because the levy failed, the district will eliminate $1.2 million in spending for the 2025-2026 school year. The district will:
- Cut all-day kindergarten.
- Raise pay-to-participate fees.
- Make cuts to transportation, which would include no high school busing.
- Charge actual costs for school fees, rather than reduced fees.
- Keep larger class sizes.The district will not be able to reinstate previously cut teaching positions.
- Make only minimal improvements to the intermediate campus.
