Mount Healthy board says fiscal emergency forced July gym closure, urges support for 3-mill levy

The Mount Healthy City School District Board of Education on June 12 described a budget crisis that led the district to close the high‑school gym for July to save roughly $20,000 and asked residents to back a 3‑mill levy on the Nov. 4 ballot to prevent further cuts.

Board members and Superintendent Doctor Hawkins said an audit and accounting corrections revealed a much larger deficit than previously reported. "By the time it was finished, we were actually almost $11,000,000 in the hole," Hawkins said, explaining that the state then ordered cuts to balance the budget. The board said it preserved sports this year by trimming central-office positions so that extracurriculars could continue—at least for now.

The superintendent defended the short July gym closure as a cost‑saving and regulatory step: "It saves over $20,000 to the district to shut down the gym for the month of July," Hawkins said, and noted Ohio High School Athletic Association rules limit team practices in July to conditioning rather than full team practices.

Why it matters

Board leaders warned that if the levy fails, sports could be among the programs cut next. The board described a multi‑year recovery target and said the district remains under state commission oversight until its multi‑year balances improve; passing the levy would restore local authority more quickly.

What was said and proposed

Community speakers—including parent Michael Hamm and coaches—told the board the July closure will harm athletes' preparation and college scouting. "Why are we Mount Healthy students facing consequences on mistakes we have not made?" asked student athlete Nikaya Ray, who urged the board to keep the gym accessible for training and as a positive outlet.

Officials said alternatives have been considered but are limited by cost and availability. The superintendent invited residents to advocacy meetings and offered a staff contact number for follow‑up. Board members proposed a campaign and requested volunteers to help pass the levy in November.

Cost and ballot schedule

The board adopted a resolution to request Hamilton County certification for a 3‑mill ongoing levy to appear on the Nov. 4, 2025 ballot. Board members said the levy would generate about $1.5 million annually and estimated the additional tax at approximately $105 per year for a home appraised at $100,000 (about $8.75 per month). A second formal certification vote is required in July before the question is finalized for the ballot.

Next steps

Board members said they will continue community outreach, asked residents to attend a county commission meeting on June 26, and scheduled a second certification step in July. The levy would first appear on the 2025 tax list if approved and begin collection in 2026.