Vote yes for Bexley schools

This fall, Bexley residents will vote on an operating levy (Issue 36) that will sustain Bexley City Schools for at least five years, supporting the continued excellence of our district.

The proposed levy will pay for teacher and staff salaries, textbooks and supplies, and basic functions such as heating and electricity. It will allow Bexley schools to maintain its current level of classes, services and personnel.

Bexley voters last approved an operating levy in 2019. As a result, Bexley schools have thrived, and the district has been rated each year among the top districts in Ohio. With inflationary expenses now outpacing revenues, new revenue is needed to avoid reductions.

Early voting starts Oct. 8 | Election Day is Nov. 5

How the new levy will work

The operating levy will collect 5 mills in its first year (2025), followed by additional 2.5-mill increments each year until 2029. This phased-in, incremental approach is designed to collect revenue only when the district is expected to need it. At the end of the five-year levy, the increments will add up to 15 mills.

What will Issue 36 cost?

For every $100,000 of appraised home value, the phased-in levy will cost:

• $15 per month ($175 annually) in the first year of collections (2025), when the 5-mill increase would go into effect.

• An additional $7 per month (about $88 annually) for each of the 2.5-mill increments in collection years 2026-2029.

After five years, the levy will total 15 mills and cost $525 annually per $100,000 of appraised home value. See the FAQs for a detailed chart.

What’s at stake

If the levy fails, Bexley schools would have to cut at least $4 million, equivalent to about 30 positions, from the operating budget for the coming school year.

The district is already projected to end the current fiscal year with a $5.2 million operating deficit, which is eating into cash reserves. Without new revenue, Bexley schools will need to cut back on operating costs, and staffing accounts for more than 75% of the budget.