The Streetsboro City Schools Board of Education approved a resolution at its February 3 Special Meeting to place a 7-mill operating levy on the May 5, 2026 ballot. If approved by voters, the levy would provide additional funding to support the day-to-day operations of the district beginning in January 2027.
The proposed levy is designed to help maintain essential educational services while addressing rising operational costs and the district’s reliance on local property taxes, which currently account for approximately 72% of Streetsboro City Schools’ general fund revenue.
What the Levy Would Provide
The 7-mill operating levy is projected to generate approximately $5,438,944 annually. Operating levies fund ongoing expenses necessary to run the district, including salaries and benefits for teachers and staff, curriculum materials, classroom technology, student support resources, school safety measures such as School Resource Officers (SROs), and everyday operational costs like transportation, utilities, and building maintenance.
The levy is proposed as a five-year operating levy, allowing voters to revisit the decision in the future through the renewal process.
Cost to Homeowners
If approved, the levy would cost homeowners approximately $245 per $100,000 of assessed property value per year. In Ohio, a “mill” represents the rate used to calculate property taxes, with one mill equal to one-tenth of a cent for every dollar of assessed value.
Understanding School Funding and Reappraisals
While recent property reappraisals resulted in an additional $920,000 through inside millage — which adjusts with property values — the majority of school funding comes from outside millage, which does not increase automatically due to Ohio’s House Bill 920. As a result, additional levies are periodically necessary to keep pace with rising costs.
The last time Streetsboro voters approved new operating funds was in 2019, when a 9-mill levy was passed.
Voting Information and Community Engagement
Early in-person voting and absentee voting by mail will begin April 7. Residents can register to vote online through the Ohio Secretary of State’s website.
Community members with questions are encouraged to attend upcoming Board of Education and Finance Committee meetings or contact the district directly at bhaines@scsrockets.org. Additional information and meeting dates are available on the district website at www.scsrockets.org
Certain taxpayers, including senior citizens who qualify for the Homestead Exemption, may be eligible for property tax relief programs through Portage County.
Streetsboro City Schools encourages residents to stay informed, ask questions, and participate in the upcoming election process.
STREETSBORO CITY SCHOOLS 7 MILL5 YEAR OPERATING LEVY - QUESTION & ANSWER
DID STREETSBORO CITY SCHOOLS BOARD OF EDUCATION VOTE TO PLACE A 7-MILL OPERATING LEVY ON THE MAY 5, 2026 BALLOT?
Yes, at the February 3 Special Meeting, a resolution was passed to place a 7-mill operating levy on the ballot.
WHAT IS A MILL?
A mill is the unit of value for expressing the rate of property taxes in Ohio.
One mill is equal to one-tenth of a percent or one-tenth of a cent (0.1 cents) in cash terms. Millage is the factor applied to the assessed value of property to generate tax revenue.
HOW MUCH WILL IT BRING INTO THE DISTRICT?
This levy would bring in approximately $5,438,944 annually.
WHAT IS THE COST TO HOMEOWNERS?
The levy will cost homeowners $245 per $100,000 of their property's assessed value per year.
IF APPROVED, WHEN WILL COLLECTIONS START FOR THE 7-MILL LEVY?
January 2027
HOW MUCH OF THE DISTRICT'S BUDGET COMES FROM RESIDENTIAL TAXES?
Approximately 72% of the district's budget is funded by local property taxes.
GENERAL FUND CURRENT YEAR REVENUE BY SOURCE
Local Sources: 72%
State Sources: 24%
All Other Sources: 4%
MY TAXES JUST WENT UP BECAUSE OF THE RECENT REAPPRAISALS. HOW MUCH ADDITIONAL MONEY DID THE DISTRICT RECEIVE FROM REAPPRAISALS, AND WHY DOES THE DISTRICT NEED ADDITIONAL FUNDING?
During the reappraisal period the District can receive additional funding on inside (fixed mills) millage. This millage is not subject to HB920 and increases with property values. Streetsboro collects 5.1 inside mills on a total of 10 inside mills that are collected by Streetsboro taxing authorities (City, County and School). This led to an increase of $920,000 in revenue collections last year. However, outside millage is not subjected to increases like inside millage and that is where the largest portion of revenue for the school district is collected. District costs continue to rise each year.
WHY IS THIS A FIVE YEAR OPERATING LEVY?
An operating levy is used for day-to-day operational expenses and can be for a set period or continuing. A five year levy allows the community, if passed, to decide if they want to renew it every five years.
WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME RESIDENTS APPROVED NEW MONEY?
In 2019, residents approved a 9-mill levy.
WHAT SPECIFIC EXPENSES WILL THIS LEVY FUND?
This levy will help fund essential operating costs, including salaries and benefits for teachers and staff, curriculum materials, classroom technology, resources that support student achievement, and SRO/safety costs. It also covers day-to-day operational expenses such as utilities, transportation, and maintenance to keep schools running efficiently.
CAN SENIOR CITIZENS OR RESIDENTS ON FIXED INCOMES RECEIVE TAX RELIEF? Homestead Exemption is one way to receive tax relief for senior citizens on fixed income. Please see the FAQ at the following link: https://ohiosenate.gov/news/the-democratic-standard/state-of-ohio-homestead-exemptions-faqs
To apply, please follow the link to the Portage County Website: https://www.portagecounty-oh.gov/treasurers-office/pages/tax-reduction-programs
HOW CAN I REGISTER TO VOTE?
You can register to vote online using this link: https://olvr.ohiosos.gov/
WHEN DOES EARLY VOTING BEGIN?
Early in-person voting will begin April 7. Absentee Voting by Mail will also begin April 7.
HOW CAN I LEARN MORE OR ASK QUESTIONS ABOUT THE LEVY?
You can always email bhaines@scsrockets.org and we will do our best to respond in a timely fashion. The community is welcome to attend the district's Board meetings and Finance Committee meetings. Meeting dates are posted at: www.scsrockets.org