ISSUE 8 FAST FACTS:

WHY NOW? I THOUGHT W-E WAS OFF THE BALLOT UNTIL 2028?
  • ​This levy is necessary now due to new state laws passed in December 2025  that significantly reduced district revenue:
    • HB186 removes revenue from the 2024 reappraisal and caps increases. Estimated loss: $5.21 million through 2030.
    • HB129 reduces effective rates of five fixed‑sum levies. Estimated loss: up to $3.49 million through 2030.
    • HB96 creates unreimbursed property tax exemptions (enacted yearly by local county commissioners). Estimated recurring loss: $2.8 million per year. 
  • This legislation and change in revenue has expedited the need for the district to seek additional funding for operations

​WHY AN EARNED INCOME TAX (EIT)?
  • Because the district heard concerns about rising property taxes, an they are opting for an EIT, because it spreads responsibility across all wage‑earning residents rather than relying only on property owners. It does not apply to pensions, Social Security, capital gains or investment income.
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IF ISSUE 8 PASSES:

If passed Issue 8 would generate an estimated $14,029,656.
Of that the District intends to allocate: 
  • $9,582,587 to district operations. Operating funds are used for day-to-day necessities, such as staff salaries, educational programming, transportation and building utilities.
  • $4,447,069 to our Capital Plan (permanent improvement funds). Permanent improvement funds are used to maintain the district's facilities, purchase technology items, security, and new vehicles, including buses.
If approved, the earned income tax would be for a continuous period of time.

IF ISSUE 8 FAILS:

The District is required to immediately rebalance it's budget per State Law.
A failed levy means that beginning in the 28-29 school year, the Board would need to implement the following cost-savings measures:
  • Consolidation of North and South to one high school
  • South and Willoughby Middle become the high school campus
  • North becomes the middle school campus
  • Willowick Middle is repurposed, manner to be determined
  • Closure of Eastlake Middle and Thomas Jefferson Elementary
  • Reduction in district staffing to match new footprint

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