Tallmadge City Schools outlines teacher, bus and program cuts after 5.6‑mill levy fails

At the May 20, 2026 Tallmadge City Board of Education meeting district officials said a proposed 5.6‑mill operating levy that would have raised about $3.6 million did not pass (roughly 54% no, 46% yes), and laid out a set of cuts the administration says are necessary to avoid running a deficit.

Kurt, a district staff member who presented the financial slides, told the board that because local revenue is capped under state law and state aid is shrinking, the district cannot carry a deficit and must reduce spending. He said the administration is pursuing a combination of transportation and personnel reductions and other efficiencies to close a roughly $2 million gap; administration estimated current identified savings of $1.6–$1.7 million and described further steps to reach $2 million.

The administration listed the most significant planned reductions: eliminating high‑school busing and any transportation for students within roughly two miles of the K–8 campus (about 12 of 27 regular routes), which the district estimated would save about $720,000; reducing the teaching staff by eight positions for the 2026–27 school year (five at the high school, three at the elementary); increasing pay‑to‑play fees (from $75 to $125 per sport and raising the middle‑school family cap from about $80 to $300) with an estimated additional revenue of about $32,000; and cutting some field trips and curriculum supports. Kurt said the district has already reduced staff in prior years and that personnel costs represent more than 80% of district spending.

The board also approved a slate of routine contracts and personnel actions during the meeting, including renewals or agreements with the Summit County Educational Service Center for shared specialist services, an agreement described in the agenda as a three‑year renewal with Akran Children’s Hospital to provide nursing services, a contract with Total Education Solutions for alternate placement services, a contract with Educational Alternatives to meet FAPE obligations, and a renewal with LLA Therapy for speech and related services. The board combined and approved multiple overnight field trips as a consent item. The board moved to combine personnel items 5.1–5.18, approved retirements and resignations, and approved hiring Eric Brown — who introduced himself to the board as a substitute who has worked in all buildings in the district and is recommended for a K–5 teaching position.

Roy Zean, the district’s director of student services, described the cost pressures of mandated special‑education placements. He said the district’s roster and state reimbursement do not cover the full cost of some placements, estimating that net losses on high‑need students can be in the range of “$50,000–$60,000” per student in some cases. Administration noted several contracts for alternate placements are maintained so the district has options when a student requires a specialized program; in some years a contract may be in place but not used for any students.

Members of the public reacted during the comment period. William C. Layman, a long‑term resident, told the board he is on a fixed income and suggested the levy was too high for some voters; he also asked the district to improve meeting audio so older residents can hear. Becky Miller, president of the (Tallmadge) Teachers Association, recognized teachers and community members who received awards and noted upcoming kindergarten events.

Board members discussed next steps. Kurt said that if the board wishes to place a levy on the November ballot it generally needs a resolution completed before Aug. 5 to meet the 90‑day requirement ahead of the Nov. 3 election, and the board talked about scheduling a work session for late June or early July to consider options and learn from other districts that had success this year. The meeting ended with a motion to enter executive session on personnel matters.

What the board approved tonight: multiple service contracts for 2026–27 (Summit County ESC agreements, Akran Children’s nursing services, Total Education Solutions, Educational Alternatives, LLA Therapy), consent approval for combined overnight field trips and an omnibus personnel package that included retirements, resignations and the hiring of Eric Brown. The board recorded an abstention on a personnel grouping item (5.4) because it included a family member of a board member; that abstention was noted on the record.

Next procedural steps: the administration will continue to model budget scenarios and present more detailed implementation plans for the cuts described; if the board chooses to pursue a new levy the deadline for a November ballot placement means a decision is needed by early August.