We’re Glad You Asked!
Frequently Asked Questions About Issue 4 for the Solon Schools Operating Levy on the May 5 Ballot
Q. What am I voting on?
A. Solon and Glenwillow are voting on a 6.9-mill continuing operating levy on the May 5 ballot. This is the first additional operating levy for the Solon Schools since 2018. A levy is the only way to raise the revenue necessary to fund the academic and extracurricular programs in our excellent public schools.
Q. Why should I vote yes?
A. Solon and Glenwillow are known for their community spirit, quality of life and outstanding school system. These factors, particularly the excellent Solon Schools, have contributed to the growth of the community and the corresponding increase in property values. Voting yes ensures that the district has the necessary funding to continue the academic and extracurricular excellence our community demands and our children deserve.
Q. How much will this levy cost? What does it mean to me in real dollars?
A. The net impact of this continuing operating levy to Solon and Glenwillow taxpayers is $242 for each $100,000 of the county’s market value, the same as nearly all past Solon Schools’ operating levies for 40 years. To see the value of your home, go to: http://myplace.cuyahogacounty.us/
Q. How will the dollars be spent?
A. The levy will add needed operational dollars to the district. In keeping with the district’s fiscal philosophy, funding will be kept closest to student learning. New negotiated agreements are already in place for our teaching and non-teaching staff, so forecasting for staff costs will remain stable through at least 2028.
Q. Where do Solon and Glenwillow’s taxes compare now?
A. Actually, Solon is still a value and our tax rates are comparatively low, ranking in the middle of all Cuyahoga County communities.. Solon and Glenwillow residents have lower effective tax rates than our counterparts in Hudson, Aurora, Mayfield, Chagrin Falls and Shaker Heights, among others.
Q. Why a levy now? Can’t it wait?
A. While the Solon Schools have been able to stretch the dollars from the last levy for eight years with prudent fiscal planning and decision making, a levy is needed now so the district is able to submit a balanced budget to the state as required by law. Simply put, schools are not permitted to operate at a deficit.
The Solon City Schools continue to receive among the lowest state funding per pupil in Ohio and is one of the most reliant districts in the state on local revenues. Solon ranks 4th lowest in the state for state revenue per pupil -- just $2,382 per student (Range of state revenues to Ohio districts $2,154-$26,806). When federal and state funds are combined, the district’s revenue ranking drops further to 2nd lowest in Ohio–only $2,809 per student. (Total range of state and federal revenues to Ohio districts $2,785-$36,986)
As recently as fiscal year 2017, Tangible Personal Property (TPP) reimbursements represented $8.3 million, or 12 percent of the district’s annual operating revenues. Following state law changes, these funds were phased out and completely eliminated in fiscal year 2025.
Q. Is the district managing costs? How do we compare to area districts?
A. The financial data reported on the most recent State of Ohio Cupp Report illustrates, Solon’s per-pupil costs compare favorably with area districts. Among Ohio school districts, 109 have higher operating expenditures per pupil than Solon, while none have higher student achievement.
See below for local district comparisons:
Q. What if I can’t afford this levy?
A. We understand if your financial situation precludes you from supporting this levy. The district, however, is not immune from the same expense pressures that Solon and Glenwillow residents face. The district is doing all it can to minimize expenditure increases.
Q. Why doesn’t the Solon or Glenwillow city government need to ask for levies
as schools do?
A. First, city government receives most of its revenue from income taxes, while the schools receive their revenue from property taxes. So as each resident’s income increases, the amount the city receives increases as well. The city also receives income tax from non-residents who work in Solon. Conversely, state law (H.B. 920) prohibits school districts from collecting more money from a levy than the exact dollar amount that is approved on election day. This inflation cap prevents revenues to schools from increasing over time as property values rise.
Q. Are residents of Glenwillow affected by the levy too?
A. Yes. The Solon Schools include both the city of Solon and the village of Glenwillow. All residents of both communities would pay the same amount from this levy based on their home value. Glenwillow and Solon residents all vote for the levy on May 5.
Q. What about residents who live in apartments or other rental properties? Do they pay toward the levy as well?
A. Anyone living in a rental property does not pay a property tax bill directly but the person who actually owns the property does. Individuals living in apartments or rented condos and homes pay the property tax indirectly through their rent payments.
Q. How does the investment community rate the district’s financial management?
A. The Solon Schools have excellent ratings from both Fitch Inc. Rating Services of New York and Moody’s. These ratings are an economic endorsement from the investment community, which reflects the solid and proactive management practices of the district. Strong voter and community support for past school levies are a key factor in the issuing of these ratings. In turn, the ratings mean financial savings for the district because the Solon Schools are able to secure any debt obligations at lower rates, saving interest costs and allowing for repayment more quickly.
Q. How do I know if I’m registered to vote on May 5?
A. It’s important to verify if you are registered to vote prior to the voter registration deadline on April 6, 2026. Simply use the link: https://boe.cuyahogacounty.gov/voters/get-your-voting-information and provide the requested personal information. This link will also provide you with your precinct, ward, polling location, party affiliation and sample ballot.
Q. How can I vote in the May 5 election?
A. You can vote in-person at the polling location specified for your precinct and ward from 6:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m. on election day. To confirm your polling location for May 5, use the link below and provide the requested information https://boe.cuyahogacounty.gov/voters/Find-Voting-Information-by-Address
Or, if you prefer, vote early by mail! Early voting lets you vote from the comfort of your own home and avoid any potential lines on election day. Early voting begins on April 7. To request a ballot by mail, go to https://boe.cuyahogacounty.us/en-US/VoteByMail.aspx. Note an important change to early voting for this election: All vote by mail ballots must be returned to the Board of Elections by election day, not just postmarked.
Q. How can I get a yard sign for the levy to show my support?
A. Yard signs will be delivered to you and placed in your yard in accordance with all city ordinances. To get one, email us at [email protected] and give us your name and address. Or, click on the following link and fill out the yard sign request form on our website: https://www.solonvotes.org/yard-signs.html
Q. What if I have a question not answered here?
A. We're so glad you asked! Click on the link below and submit your question. We will answer the questions proposed here in different ways throughout the campaign. Please check the
FAQs regularly.
https://forms.gle/UFWXaCkgrA5pfgcq8
Thank you for your support!