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 Takes First Step Toward Placing Operating Levy on the November Ballot

CINCINNATI (July 17, 2026) — At their June 22 meeting, the Winton Woods Board of Education members in attendance unanimously took the first step toward placing a 6.95-mil operating levy request on the November 3, 2026 ballot. If passed, the levy will fund the day-to-day operations of the district such as staffing, utilities, and supplies.

"When voters approved the bond issue back in 2016, we used every dollar the way we said we would: to build the new schools our students deserve. Ohio law requires that money from any bond issue may only be used for capital expenses like new school buildings. Staffing classrooms, keeping the heat on, and buying supplies must come from a different source of funding, and that's exactly what we're asking voters for now," said Steve Denny, superintendent. "This is the lowest amount that we believe can actually stabilize what we have. This levy is how we keep those new schools running the way our community expects."

School Board President Angela Knighten agreed. "We've reached the point where we will not be able to maintain what we have without additional funding. Asking our residents to invest more money is never something we take lightly. This comes down to our students and the kind of experience we want them to have in our schools and giving them what they need to succeed in the classroom and beyond."

It has been 17 years since the district has received an increase in school funding from local property taxes. The last request the district made to the community for new operating funds was in 2009. Since that time, the district has worked to operate responsibly, consolidated schools into larger more economical campuses and has made operational cuts due to shortfalls in state funding, which has had a direct impact on the district's ability to keep pace with student needs in the classroom and changes in curriculum.

"Just like our families, businesses, and community members, the district has experienced the same rising costs as everyone else. For years, Winton Woods has prioritized being fiscally responsible by finding ways to stretch every dollar and make do with less. However, we've reached the end of that road. As a result, when you look at our five-year forecast, it's clear that even keeping our current programs and services running isn't something we can sustain," said Randy Seymour, treasurer.

According to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, Winton Woods spent $1,242 less than the Ohio state average and below most districts in the region in 2025. In addition, as a result of the State's new Fair School Funding Formula, the district anticipates receiving less of an increase in funding when compared to previous years.

"Here's the reality: our schools now depend more and more on local tax dollars, because we can't count on the state to fully fund what we need," continued Denny. "Because of that, this really is a community decision. The choice voters make in November will determine what we're able to provide for students going forward."

If passed, the November 2026 operating levy is expected to cost taxpayers about $20.25 per month per $100,000 of appraised value.

For more information about the district's finances, visit wintonwoods.org/treasurer. To dig deeper into the district's current financial picture, check out 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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