November 2026 Levy Facts
November 3, 2026 • Additional Current-Expense Levy
Understand the levy.
See the numbers.
Clear, factual information about the Cleveland Heights–University Heights City School District's proposed 6.5-mill additional current-expense levy.
Calculate My Estimated Cost Why is the Levy on the ballot
Election Day
Nov. 3, 2026
General Election
Levy Amount
6.5 mills
Additional current-expense levy
Estimated Cost
$228
per year per $100,000 of County Fiscal Officer market value
Estimated Revenue
$11.1M
$11,100,193 annually, as certified by the County Fiscal Officer
Official Ballot Language
Proposed Tax Levy (Additional)
Cleveland Heights – University Heights City School District
A majority affirmative vote is necessary for passage.
An additional tax for the benefit of the Cleveland Heights – University Heights City School District for the purpose of current expenses that the County Fiscal Officer estimates will collect $11,100,193 annually, at a rate not exceeding 6.5 mills for each $1 of taxable value, which amounts to $228 for each $100,000 of the County Fiscal Officer’s market value, for a continuing period of time, commencing in 2026, first due in calendar year 2027.
The County Fiscal Officer has certified that the amount by which the carry-over balance in the district’s general operating budget from the preceding fiscal year exceeds the district’s general fund expenditures made in the preceding fiscal year is $0, which is 0% of those expenditures.
For the Tax Levy
Against the Tax Levy
The Financial Picture
Why is the Levy being placed on the ballot?
An operating levy supports the District's day-to-day General Fund expenses. The District's Five-Year Forecast shows a declining June 30 General Fund balance over the forecast period.
What an operating levy supports
- Classroom instruction and educational support
- Teachers, paraprofessionals and other staff
- Special education and student services
- Transportation
- Technology and instructional materials
- Utilities, maintenance and school operations
General Fund forecast
The August 2026 Five-Year Forecast projects the June 30 balance available for certification of appropriations to decline from $32.2 million in FY27 to a projected negative $3.7 million in FY30.
The graph below uses Line 10.010 of the District's August 2026 forecast.
Fund Balance at June 30
CH-UH General Fund • August 2026 Five-Year Forecast • Line 10.010
| Fiscal Year | Fund Balance at June 30 |
|---|---|
| FY27 | $32,189,367 |
| FY28 | $24,807,377 |
| FY29 | $13,100,482 |
| FY30 | ($3,715,697) |
Source: Cleveland Heights–University Heights City School District, Financial Forecast, August 2026, Line 10.010, “Fund Balance June 30 for Certification of Appropriations.”
Your Household
What is the estimated cost of the levy?
Enter the County Fiscal Officer's market value for your property. The calculator uses the certified ballot estimate of $228 annually for each $100,000 of market value.
Estimated annual$228.00
Estimated monthly$19.00
This calculator applies the County Fiscal Officer's certified ballot estimate of $228 annually per $100,000 of market value. Individual tax bills can vary because of exemptions, credits and other property-specific circumstances.
| County Fiscal Officer Market Value | Estimated Annual Cost | Estimated Monthly Cost |
|---|
Fiscal Stewardship
Financial stewardship and accountability
The District has taken action to reduce recurring costs while maintaining fiscal stability.
COST REDUCTION
$5 Million General Fund Reduction Plan
The District plans to reduce a total of $5 million from the General Fund by June 30, 2027. To date, $3.4 million in reductions have already been implemented through a reduction in force and other cost-control measures.
FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY
Auditor of State recognition
CH-UH has received recognition from the Ohio Auditor of State for its financial reporting and accountability.
PUBLIC FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Regular financial reporting and oversight
- The District publishes its five-year financial forecast and provides monthly financial reports to the Board of Education. View CH-UH Finance information and reports.
- District financial statements are subject to annual audit. View District financial reporting information.
- The Treasurer provides regular financial updates to the Board and community. View Treasurer financial updates.
Last Operating Levy Request
Prior to the 2026 levy request, the last time the Cleveland Heights–University Heights Board of Education asked voters to approve a new operating levy was November 2020, when voters approved a 4.8-mill operating levy.
Property Taxes Explained
Why can property values rise without the District receiving the same percentage increase?
Ohio's property-tax system distinguishes between market value, assessed value, voted millage and effective millage. Those differences affect how much revenue a school district receives when property values change.
Market value and assessed value
Ohio generally taxes real property using 35% of market value as assessed value.
For example, a property with a market value of $200,000 has an assessed value of:
$200,000 × 35% = $70,000
House Bill 920
For many voted levies, Ohio's tax-reduction factors reduce the effective millage rate when existing property values rise. As a result, a percentage increase in property value does not necessarily produce the same percentage increase in school-district revenue.
Questions & Answers
Frequently asked questions
What exactly is on the ballot?
The ballot proposes an additional 6.5-mill levy for current expenses. The County Fiscal Officer estimates it will collect $11,100,193 annually and amount to $228 per year for each $100,000 of market value. The levy is for a continuing period of time, commencing in 2026 and first due in calendar year 2027.
How much would the levy cost?
The County Fiscal Officer estimates that the levy amounts to $228 per year for each $100,000 of market value. Individual tax bills can vary because of exemptions, credits and other property-specific circumstances.
How much is the levy expected to generate?
The County Fiscal Officer estimates the levy will collect $11,100,193 annually.
What can current-expense levy money be used for?
Current-expense levy revenue supports the General Fund and day-to-day school operations, including instruction, staffing, student services, transportation, technology, utilities and other operating costs.
Can bond or construction funds be used for ordinary operating expenses?
Funds raised for capital or bond purposes are legally restricted to those purposes and generally cannot be redirected to ordinary General Fund operating expenses.
If my property value increased, did the District receive the same percentage increase?
Not necessarily. Ohio's tax-reduction system can reduce the effective rate on many voted levies as existing property values increase. The impact depends on the type of levy and applicable state law.
When would collection begin?
The certified ballot language states that the levy would commence in 2026 and be first due in calendar year 2027.