BARBERTON, Ohio – Barberton City Schools is asking voters to approve an operating levy tax to address its estimated $11 million operating budget shortfall.
If voters approve the $11-mill operating levy on May 5, it would generate $5.96 million annually and will cost property owners $385 per year per $100,000 of property valuation. The proposed levy would be in addition to the district’s current operating levy, which is scheduled for renewal in 2029. The existing $19.16-mill operating levy was approved by voters in 2019.
Several factors have contributed to the district’s financial situation, according to its website. Some of those factors include:
- Changes in state funding levels that have resulted in less revenue than expected over the past three years.
- The state property tax reform legislation that was passed in December 2025, which will decrease expected future revenue by approximately $1.5 million.
- Inflation, which has impacted transportation, utilities, supplies and state-mandated services.
- Increased healthcare costs, including a nearly $1 million payment to the district’s healthcare consortium in December to cover the cost of claims.
The district’s October 2025 five-year forecast update also revealed that previous financial forecasts provided an inaccurate view of the district’s financial outlook. The district accepted the resignation of treasurer Craig McKendry in December of 2025, and Shared Services Alliance’s Financial Operations Coordinator Jennifer Sudhoff was named the district’s treasurer of record…