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Treasurer explains $48 million CPS levy renewal, ballot language and what voters will see
Summary
Treasurer Guston and general counsel explained the renewal levy that will appear on the November ballot: a $48 million fixed‑sum emergency renewal (no tax increase) divided between K–12 programs and preschool; the board received clarifying questions on levy language and election‑day school closures.
Treasurer Mike Guston and legal staff briefed the Cincinnati School Board on Oct. 20 about a $48 million levy renewal scheduled for the November ballot and answered questions about ballot language, millage and district election‑day procedures.
Treasurer Guston described the measure as a fixed‑sum renewal that will generate $48,000,000 annually if approved. "The renewal that's voted on in 2 weeks is a $48,000,000 fixed sum levy," Guston told the board. He said the renewal is framed as an emergency levy and that it was first enacted in 2016, renewed in 2020 for five years, and is now proposed for a 10‑year renewal.
Guston and general counsel explained the commonly confusing ballot language set by state law. Quoting Ohio statute language, they said the auditor estimates the levy will equal about 5.05 mills, or roughly $177 per $100,000 of the county auditors appraised value; the actual millage is set by the auditor based on total taxable value. Guston summarized how the $48 million is split for programmatic use: $33,000,000 is intended for K–12 CPS programs and $15,000,000 is set aside for preschool, split between Cincinnati Public Schools and Cincinnati Preschool Promise.
Board members asked whether renewing the levy raises taxes; Guston and counsel confirmed the renewal itself does not raise taxes because it is a fixed‑sum renewal. The treasurer also explained why the district closes some school buildings on election day: 18 district schools serve as polling places, and closing reduces traffic and improves building security while the board of elections uses school space. Board members were reminded of legal limits: the district may not use property, personnel or funds to advocate for or against a political issue or candidate.
The board used the discussion to prepare for public questions and outreach. The treasurer said the renewal would first generate revenue in calendar year 2027 if approved and that the county auditor provides the millage estimate based on taxable values.
