Findlay Schools Face $12M Shortfall as Tax Levy Returns to Ballot

FINDLAY, Ohio — Findlay City Schools will once again ask voters to approve a 1% earned income tax levy in May, following its rejection in November. The district faces a $12 million shortfall, with significant cuts to staff, extracurriculars, and transportation already planned for the 2025-2026 school year.

Superintendent Andy Hatton emphasized that the upcoming cuts are unavoidable, even if the levy passes in May. “We meant what we said, and now, unfortunately, we are where no one wants to be,” Hatton said. “These cuts are going to have to take place.”

The proposed levy would not affect individuals on fixed incomes. If approved, it would generate revenue to address the district’s financial challenges starting in the 2026-2027 school year. However, another failure at the polls would force an additional $5 to $6 million in cuts, bringing the total reductions to $12 million.

Hatton warned that the district would be “unrecognizable” if the levy fails again. “There’s no mechanism in the law where we can run at that deficit,” he said. “We have to get to that full $12 million in that shortfall.”

Findlay City Schools has not passed an operational levy in 20 years, compounding its financial struggles. The district has already begun implementing cuts for the 2025-2026 school year, which may not be reversed even if the levy passes. The upcoming ballot measure represents a critical juncture for the district’s future.