Board Approves Resolution Of Necessity For November Operating Levy

The CH-UH Board of Education approved the resolution of necessity for a 6.5 mill November 2026 operating levy at its July 21 special meeting. A resolution of necessity is the first step in the process of placing an operating levy on the ballot. 

The need for a new operating levy was solidified after the Board heard the presentation delivered by CH-UH City School District Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer Angele Latham at the July 21 meeting. The analysis, done in partnership with the District Lay Finance Committee, shows the District faces a clear need for increased operating support in order to avoid cuts to educational programming.

“Our committee has carefully reviewed the financial projections for the District,” said Latham. “It is clear that an operating levy of 6.5 mills is the minimum amount needed to sufficiently cover the costs to operate the District and avoid additional budget cuts.”

The District is making at least $5 million in budget cuts over the next two years (2026-2027 and 2027-2028) in order to plan for expected revenue losses. Around $3.4 million has been saved as a result of recent reductions in force; 32 staff positions were reduced effective July 1. 

“Due to a lack of full implementation of the state’s Fair School Funding Plan (FSFP) in the most recent state biennial budget, the District is losing out on $7 million in funds over the next two years,” Latham continued. “Furthermore, recent property value spikes have led to a decrease in state funding, because the District appears wealthier on paper than in reality. And, the District is still recovering from losing millions of dollars to EdChoice vouchers.”

“The Board and administration have placed great importance on reducing costs and using taxpayer dollars wisely, even stretching our last operating levy for an unprecedented six years and counting, without compromising classroom instruction,” said Gabe Crenshaw, CH-UH Board of Education President. “But without a levy, our students’ instruction will suffer.”

Like every public school district in Ohio, the CH-UH City School District must periodically ask residents for increased operating support to pay for educational necessities, from teachers to programming. While the District is always finding ways to economize, cut costs, and accomplish their mission with less, tax dollars do not rise with inflation. 

Next steps

A resolution to proceed to the ballot is expected to be considered at the Board’s next regular meeting on August 3 at 7 p.m. at the Board of Education. Community members may direct their comments to Ms. Crenshaw at g_crenshaw@chuh.org prior to that date.