To the editor:

Voters across Ohio approved nearly two-thirds of the school tax issues on the May 6 primary election ballot.

Voters approved 64 out of 99 school tax issues, yielding a 64% passage rate. This is markedly higher than the 2024 primary election, when voters approved 41 out of 78 school tax issues, a 52% passage rate.

Support for new tax issues also grew. Voters approved 19 of 47 new school tax requests, or 40%, up from just 13% (3 of 22 issues) in the 2024 primary. Strong support for renewal school tax proposals continued, with 44 of the 49 issues earning approval, an 89% passage rate. That is again an increase from the 2024 primary election renewal passage rate of 74%.

“Last night was a big win for Ohio’s public schools. Nearly 90% of renewal levies passed, which is significantly higher than what we’ve seen in recent elections,” Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA) Director of Legislative Services Jennifer Hogue said on May 7. “That tells us that communities across the state clearly value the essential services these levies support — things like classroom instruction, transportation, student safety and special education services. Voters are sending a message: They want strong, stable public schools, and they’re willing to make that investment.”

While the preliminary results are complete, the Ohio secretary of state has not officially certified the election results. For district-by-district details on current and past elections, visit OSBA’s online database of school tax issues at http://links.ohioschoolboards.org/19699.

Founded in 1955, OSBA leads the way as the respected voice of Ohio public education.

Ohio School Boards Association,

Columbus