Barberton voters to decide 1% income tax amid school budget crisis

Barberton, Ohio residents face a binary choice on Tuesday regarding the financial future of their local schools. The city is currently under the state's most severe fiscal oversight, and district officials warn that failing to approve a new revenue stream will force deep reductions across the curriculum.

The district’s financial troubles began when voters rejected an 11-mill property tax levy in May. In response, school leaders implemented approximately $7 million in budget cuts. These measures included the elimination of roughly 70 positions for teachers and aides. Despite those reductions, the budget remained unbalanced. In September, the Ohio Auditor placed Barberton City Schools in fiscal emergency status at the request of the school board.

With the May property tax defeated, the board proposed a different solution for the November election. Issue 5 asks voters to approve a 1% earned income tax. This levy would generate about $4.73 million per year for a five-year period. Unlike a property tax, this new fee applies to employee wages, salaries, tips, and self-employment earnings. Income from Social Security, pensions, 401(k) and IRA distributions, investments, dividends, interest, and unemployment benefits would not be taxed. The measure expires after five years unless voters extend it.

Superintendent Jason Ondrus cited several factors behind the district's deficit. These include changes in state funding, rising health care costs, and the loss of federal funds provided during the pandemic. Ondrus noted that the temporary federal money created a false sense of financial stability for many districts. He stated that the district must now balance its budget through a mix of spending cuts and new local revenue.

Residents are divided on whether the additional cost is justified. Steve Despot, a Barberton resident, opposes the levy. He estimated the tax would cost him about $55 per month. Despot argued that higher household expenses and property taxes make the new bill difficult to support. He described the situation as fixing a district mistake at the expense of local families.

Gail Klusty, a graduate of the Barberton schools, initially planned to vote against the measure but changed her mind. She said her son and grandson also attended the schools. Klusty argued that school provides essential structure for many students. She believes the potential impact on students outweighs the monthly cost to her household.

If the levy fails, the district faces further mandatory cuts. Potential reductions include eliminating middle and high school athletics, ending preschool programs, and consolidating career technical education. Elective classes in art and music would also be reduced. Student transportation would drop to state minimums, meaning high school busing would end. Students in grades K-8 would only receive rides if they live more than two miles from their assigned school.

Ondrus said decisions on these further cuts will be made in consultation with the state commission overseeing the district. The district is currently distinguishing between required and non-required spending areas. The outcome of Tuesday's vote will determine whether Barberton schools maintain their current program levels or face these structural changes.