Share This Article
Article Summary
Cincinnati business leaders have urged Cincinnati Public Schools to pause its proposed five-year, 7-mill property tax levy, citing concerns about transparency, planning and community support. The measure would generate approximately $66.3 million annually and cost homeowners an estimated $245 per year for every $100,000 in property market value. CPS board President Brandon Craig has rejected the request, arguing that recurring revenue is necessary to maintain educational programs and improve student outcomes. The levy remained on the November 3, 2026, ballot as of October 15.
Cincinnati business leaders are urging Cincinnati Public Schools to pause its proposed property tax levy, citing concerns about transparency, timing and community support.
The five-year, 7-mill measure is scheduled to appear on the November 3, 2026, ballot and would generate approximately $66.3 million annually if approved.
Letters from Cincinnati Regional Chamber President and CEO Brendon Cull and Cincinnati Business Committee President Gary Lindgren outline why the business groups oppose the proposal this year. School board President Brandon Craig rejected their request, arguing that additional recurring revenue is essential to maintaining educational programs and improving student outcomes.
Cincinnati business leaders raise concerns about levy timing
In a September 14 letter to CPS Superintendent Shauna Murphy and board President Brandon Craig, Cull and Lindgren urged the district to delay its levy campaign until 2027.
The business leaders cited what they described as a rushed decision-making process, the district’s shift from a proposed income tax to a property tax, an evolving strategic plan and insufficient community support.
They also questioned whether CPS had clearly explained how the additional revenue would be spent and whether the district had developed a comprehensive facilities plan before asking voters for more money.
The Cincinnati Regional Chamber, Cincinnati Business Committee and Cincinnati Regional Business Committee have expressed opposition to the levy. The groups have indicated that a more collaborative planning process could create an opportunity for future support.
Their concerns also reflect a competing priority: the groups support a separate Hamilton County children’s services levy on the November ballot and worry that competing tax requests could jeopardize its passage. (bluewaterhealthyliving.com)
CPS board president defends proposed property tax levy
Craig responded to the business leaders’ initial letter on September 22, maintaining that the district should continue with its existing plan.
He argued that CPS needs additional recurring revenue to sustain educational programs, address facility needs and invest in student achievement.
Craig also pointed to the district’s goal of having 90% of students attend schools rated three stars or higher on Ohio’s school report cards by 2030. According to the correspondence reported by local media, 32 of the district’s 63 schools received ratings of three stars or higher in the latest report card results discussed.
Craig said the district must make difficult financial decisions while building on its academic progress.
CPS has also said it reduced staffing and spending, implemented furlough days and reorganized services to close a projected budget gap of nearly $58 million for fiscal year 2027. District officials argue those measures balanced the current budget but did not resolve the longer-term gap between recurring revenue and rising operating costs. (The Business Journals)
Business leaders renew request to pause the levy
Cull and Lindgren sent another letter to CPS officials on October 13, reiterating their opposition to the levy in its current form.
They again called for a broader coalition of community stakeholders, clearer spending priorities and a financial strategy connected to measurable educational goals.
The business leaders also warned that the proposed 7-mill levy could constrain regional economic growth, particularly as households and businesses face other financial pressures.
They argued that delaying the proposal would give CPS more time to develop a funding plan that addresses the district’s needs while building public confidence.
The district has not agreed to withdraw the measure. The disagreement highlights a broader debate over how to fund public education while balancing taxpayer costs, school programming and long-term financial stability.
What the proposed CPS levy would cost taxpayers
The proposed five-year, 7-mill operating levy would generate approximately $66.3 million annually for Cincinnati Public Schools if voters approve it.
According to the district, the estimated annual cost is $245 for every $100,000 in a home’s market value. The levy would provide recurring revenue to support classroom instruction, student services, transportation, extracurricular activities and other operating needs.
For a homeowner with a property valued at $300,000, the estimated additional cost would be approximately $735 annually, or $61.25 per month.
CPS says the new revenue would help preserve educational opportunities for more than 34,000 students across its schools. The district has warned that failing to secure additional recurring revenue could require further reductions in future budgets, potentially affecting staffing, school operations, transportation and extracurricular programs. Specific future cuts would depend on subsequent budget decisions.
Can CPS still withdraw the levy from the ballot?
Although early voting began October 6, the levy could still be withdrawn from the ballot, according to a report that cited Hamilton County Board of Elections Director Sherry Poland.
If CPS withdrew the measure, election officials would notify voters through notices at polling places and information accompanying absentee ballots. The board would not count votes cast on the withdrawn issue.
As of the October 15 reporting, the levy remained scheduled for the November 3 general election.
Cincinnati voters will therefore need to consider the competing arguments: business leaders’ calls for additional planning and community engagement, and CPS officials’ position that recurring revenue is necessary to maintain educational services and support long-term improvement.
The decision will ultimately depend on whether voters approve the measure or whether the district takes further action before Election Day.
FAQs
Why are Cincinnati business leaders asking CPS to pause its tax levy?
Business leaders say CPS should provide more detailed information about how the money would be spent, strengthen its long-term financial strategy and engage a broader coalition of community stakeholders before seeking additional taxpayer funding.
Which business organizations oppose the proposed CPS levy?
The Cincinnati Regional Chamber, Cincinnati Business Committee and Cincinnati Regional Business Committee have expressed opposition to the levy in its current form. Their leaders have called for the district to delay the proposal and improve its planning and community engagement.
Why does Cincinnati Public Schools say it needs additional funding?
CPS cites rising expenses for transportation, utilities, insurance, technology, instructional materials and specialized student services. The district says recent budget reductions closed its projected fiscal year 2027 budget gap but did not resolve longer-term recurring revenue challenges.
