Superintendent leans toward 0.75% school income tax for 10 years to delay deficit; additional listening sessions scheduled

Dr. Smileik, the district superintendent, said the administration is “leaning toward a 0.75% additional income tax for a period of 10 years” as the most balanced option to push a projected structural deficit further into the future while reducing the immediate ask to voters.

“The 0.75 gets us to fiscal year 2032 with an estimated $9 million deficit,” Dr. Smileik said, explaining the tradeoffs the administration weighed among property, earned‑income and traditional income tax options. He said a 0.5% proposal would produce a much earlier funding shortfall; a 1.25% ask — previously on the ballot — would have delayed the need for new revenue longer but drew strong community resistance.

Why it matters: the district’s five‑year forecasting shows enrollment growth and falling state revenue pushing local needs higher. Dr. Smileik said the 0.75% option reduces the “ask” by about 40% compared with the 1.25% plan and still keeps the district closer to policy targets than the smaller options.

Board members emphasized the need for continued spending scrutiny. Mr. Henson said Ohio school funding rules (House Bill 920, 1976, was cited during the discussion) make periodic local levies likely for growing districts and urged parallel work to cut expenses where possible.

Process and next steps: Dr. Smileik announced three additional listening sessions at Lake View (dates/times offered during the meeting). Board members agreed to place all levy options on the July 13 agenda for possible resolutions of necessity; if the board adopts a resolution of necessity it would be followed by the required state filings and further community outreach. Several board members said they expect to refine which option(s) to put forward after the remaining listening sessions.

What was not decided: no formal levy motion or ballot placement was finalized on June 29. Dr. Smileik said reductions already begun for 2026–27 (including cuts to district office positions) may remain in place even if voters later approve new revenue, adding that every reduction carries an educational cost.

The board will continue deliberations at its July meetings before any final ballot decision is made.