Decoding School Funding: New Resources Page Available, Understand the November Levy for Shaker Schools

In an effort to educate voters about the upcoming 9.9 mill operating levy on the November 2025 ballot, the Committee for Shaker Schools has created a comprehensive School Funding Resources list, now available on forshakerschools.com. This new addition serves as a one-stop information hub for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of Ohio's school funding system and its impact on Shaker Heights City School District (SHCSD).

Ohio's funding mechanisms have evolved over decades into a complex system heavily reliant on local property taxes. Visitors to the page will find resources addressing four key areas:

• Why the levy is necessary

• How school funding works in Ohio

• What Shaker Schools' financial future looks like

• How this levy will affect the community.

Some of the resources included are the Shaker Heights Five-Year Forecast from May 2025, which provides projection through 2030, and the League of Women Voters presentation specifically focused on Shaker's financial situation. For those unfamiliar with educational finance terminology, the Ohio Department of Education's guide on reading five-year forecasts offers helpful context.

The resources also include explanations of Ohio's unique property tax limitations under House Bill 920, which creates the necessity for periodic operating levies. Regional context is provided through materials about Cleveland Metropolitan School District's levy and broader advocacy for Ohio's Fair School Funding Plan.

The Committee for Shaker Schools is committed to transparency and voter education ahead of this important ballot initiative. Community members are encouraged to explore these materials to make an informed decision about investing in Shaker's educational future.

Click here to visit the School Funding Resources page.