Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Jeffrey Riel
Director of Communications & Community Engagement
Winton Woods City Schools
riel.jeffrey@wintonwoods.org
513.619.2306

Winton Woods Finalizes Placement of Operating Levy on November Ballot

CINCINNATI (August 18, 2026) — At their July 27 meeting, the Winton Woods Board of Education members unanimously voted to take the second and final step to place a 6.95-mill operating levy request on the November 3, 2026 ballot. If approved by voters, the levy would fund the day-to-day operations of the district, such as staffing, utilities, and supplies.

Ohio law requires school districts to complete a two-step process to place a levy on the ballot. At their June 22 meeting, the Board took the first step by adopting a resolution of necessity. The Board has now adopted the resolution to proceed, formally certifying the levy to the Hamilton County Board of Elections for the November ballot.

"This step reflects months of careful review of our finances and our five-year forecast," said Steve Denny, superintendent. "Our role is to make sure our community has clear, accurate information about the district's financial picture and what this request would mean for our schools. The decision itself rests with our voters."

The levy would generate funding for the district's general operating expenses. By contrast, under Ohio law, money from the 2016 bond issue—the last voted ballot measure—may only be used for capital expenses, such as constructing school buildings and cannot pay for staffing, utilities, supplies, or other daily operating costs.

It has been 17 years since the district last received an increase in operating funds from local property taxes; the last such request was in 2009. According to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, Winton Woods spent $1,242 less per pupil than the state average in 2025 and below most districts in the region.

"We've worked hard to stretch every dollar, consolidate campuses, and operate as efficiently as possible," said Randy Seymour, treasurer. "The financial forecast shows the fiscal pressures the district is facing as costs continue to rise."

If approved, the operating levy is expected to cost taxpayers about $20.25 per month per $100,000 of appraised value.

Residents can find factual information about the district's finances at wintonwoods.org/treasurer and in the most recent edition of The Winton Woods Report at wintonwoods.org/report.

About Winton Woods City School District

Winton Woods City School District is a nationally recognized public school district serving the communities of Forest Park, Greenhills, and Springfield Township in Cincinnati, Ohio. Committed to innovation and excellence, the district provides a dynamic, future-ready education through its forward-thinking New Tech Network learning model. Winton Woods offers students hands-on, project-based learning experiences that foster collaboration, critical thinking, and real-world problem solving. The district serves grades PreK–12 across its state-of-the-art Early Childhood Central Campus and North and South Campuses. Winton Woods is proud to prepare all students for college, career, and life in a global society.

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