Issues 21 & 22 FAQ

This November, the Lorain City Schools are asking taxpayers to renew existing funding.  Issues 21 & 22 are not tax increases.  

Again, this is not a new tax.

Yes. On Nov. 4, Lorain City Schools has two renewal levies on the ballot because both are due for renewal at the same time. Issues 21 & 22 renew existing funding. Issues 21 & 22 are not new taxes. The timing simply aligns this year. 

Voting for Issues 21 & 22 means Lorain City Schools renews existing funding that will continue: 

• Keeping our schools safe and secure
• Providing high-quality teaching in every classroom
• Providing wraparound supportive services to support every student 
• Providing excellent academic opportunities from preschool through graduation — including early college, career technical education and the arts
• Maintaining our quality programs, including but not limited to — Fine Arts, Career Technical Education, Pathways, Robotics, and Early College and our PreK-12 Science Technology, Engineering Arts and Math (STEAM).

If the renewals fail, the District loses a significant source of revenue. As a result, the District would face the difficult decision of what to cut to make up for the lost funds.

Cuts would likely include major staff reductions in all departments, increased class sizes, cuts to supportive services and transportation. 

Lorain City Schools has already cut $10 million from the budget to ensure a balanced budget. These cuts include reducing central office by 7 staff members, and additional spending from staffing and health insurance benefits, purchased services, supplies and capital improvement projects.

Since returning to local control, the Lorain City Schools have created and are implementing a strategic plan to improve academic performance. The district is trending in the right direction: 

• Our graduation rate is the highest since 2009, and the class of 2025 will be higher yet at 84%.
• State and local measures show that the district has high-quality and very successful Early College and Career Technical, ROTC, Science Technology, Engineering Arts and Math (STEAM) programs.
• All LHS cohorts are at the highest level of on-track status compared to four years ago. 

Since returning to local control, enrollment continues to trend in a positive direction. Our district has increased enrollment by nearly 900 students, with enrollment now at nearly 6,300 students and gaining.