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Cincinnati Public Schools is considering additional spending cuts and a possible tax levy as it works to close a multi-million dollar budget shortfall. District leaders say rising costs, declining enrollment, and the expiration of federal pandemic relief funds have contributed to the financial challenges. The Board of Education has already approved more than 100 position cuts and other cost-saving measures while continuing to evaluate long-term funding options. Officials are expected to decide in the coming months whether to place a levy before voters.
Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) leaders are considering another round of spending reductions while discussing a possible tax levy to address the district’s ongoing financial challenges.
District officials say the Cincinnati school budget remains under pressure as rising operating costs, declining enrollment, and the end of pandemic-era federal funding continue to strain finances.
The latest discussions come just weeks after the Board of Education approved significant cost-cutting measures to reduce a projected $58.6 million budget shortfall. Now, district leaders say additional reductions could become necessary unless new revenue becomes available.
According to WLWT, Superintendent Shauna Murphy and other district officials have begun discussing the possibility of placing a funding measure before voters later this year. The district has not made a final decision on the type or amount of a potential levy.
District officials have also emphasized that maintaining classroom instruction remains their top priority while balancing the budget. They say any future decisions will consider the long-term financial health of Cincinnati Public Schools.
Cincinnati school budget could depend on voter support
The district is evaluating whether voters should decide on additional operating revenue during the November election.
According to WVXU, CPS is considering several levy options, including both property tax and earned income tax proposals. Officials have not announced which option they may recommend to the Board of Education.
If approved, the levy would represent the district’s first request for new operating revenue in approximately a decade.
District leaders say several factors have combined to create the current financial situation, including:
- Inflation increasing employee and operating costs.
- Declining student enrollment affecting state funding.
- Expiration of federal pandemic relief funds.
- Rising expenses for student services and facilities.
Officials say these financial pressures have created a structural deficit that requires both immediate action and long-term planning.
Earlier this summer, the Board approved a package of reductions to begin addressing the shortfall. Those actions included eliminating more than 100 positions across the district while reducing administrative spending.
According to WCPO, the approved reductions affected central office staff, assistant principals, counselors, social workers, and several academic programs, including the district’s International Baccalaureate offerings. Some employee groups also face furlough days under the approved plan.
District officials have said they attempted to preserve direct classroom instruction while identifying areas for savings.
Cincinnati school budget discussions continue through community meetings
School leaders are also seeking public input as they develop the district’s long-term financial strategy.
According to WLWT, CPS has scheduled community meetings and town halls to discuss both the budget outlook and the district’s broader strategic planning process. Officials say resident feedback will help shape future priorities before any levy proposal moves forward.
Board members have acknowledged that asking voters for additional funding requires demonstrating both financial responsibility and a clear plan for improving student outcomes.
District officials also say they continue reviewing expenditures throughout every department to identify additional efficiencies before making final recommendations.
The district’s financial discussions occur as many school systems across Ohio continue adjusting to changing enrollment patterns and higher operating costs. Several districts have faced similar decisions involving staffing reductions, program changes, or requests for additional local funding.
Education advocates note that inflation has increased costs for transportation, utilities, insurance, employee benefits, and instructional materials. Those increases have placed added pressure on district budgets even as enrollment has declined in many communities.
Previous cuts addressed only part of the deficit
The reductions approved in June represented only the first phase of CPS’s financial recovery efforts.
District leaders have acknowledged that the approved savings alone will not fully eliminate the projected budget gap. As a result, administrators continue evaluating additional options before finalizing future spending plans.
According to district officials, preserving academic programs, student services, and classroom resources remains a guiding principle during budget discussions. However, leaders have cautioned that difficult decisions may become necessary if additional revenue is not secured.
Board members have also stressed that financial sustainability requires balancing expenditures with recurring revenue rather than relying on one-time funding sources.
The district expects to continue reviewing financial projections over the coming months as officials determine whether to recommend a levy for the November ballot.
Residents will have opportunities to provide comments before the Board makes any final decisions.
The developing budget situation follows broader conversations about Cincinnati Public Schools’ long-term direction, including enrollment trends, academic priorities, and facility investments.
Also read:
CPS strategic plan enters final review as Cincinnati Public Schools seeks community feedback
FAQs
Why is Cincinnati Public Schools considering more budget cuts?
District leaders say the school system continues to face a structural budget deficit caused by rising operating costs, lower student enrollment, and the loss of temporary federal pandemic funding. Officials are reviewing additional savings because earlier reductions did not fully close the projected budget gap.
What type of levy is Cincinnati Public Schools considering?
The district is evaluating options that could include a property tax levy or an earned income tax levy. No final decision has been made on the type, amount, or whether a measure will appear on the November ballot.
What budget cuts has the district already approved?
The Board of Education previously approved more than 100 position eliminations along with reductions in administrative spending and changes to some academic programs. The district said the goal was to reduce expenses while limiting the impact on classroom instruction.
When will a decision be made about the levy?
School leaders are continuing financial reviews and community discussions before making a recommendation to the Board of Education. If board members approve a levy proposal, voters would make the final decision during the election.
