Unpacking the details of the CPS school levy

Cincinnati voters have the choice to decide a five-year operating levy to support the Cincinnati Public Schools budget this November. This resource site lays out what is on the ballot, how to vote, and where to tell us what you think. We also invite you to join one of our community forums to learn more about this levy.

On the ballot Tuesday, November 3, 2026

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What is actually on the ballot

The Cincinnati Board of Education placed one operating levy before voters. Here is what it is, drawn from the district's own published materials and local news coverage.

Cincinnati Public Schools proposed tax levy (additional) General election ballot, Hamilton County, Ohio — Tuesday, November 3, 2026

Rate: 7 millsfixed millage, five-year term
If approved, raises: ≈ $66.3Mper year, about $331.7 million over five years
Cost to a homeowner: ≈ $245per year for every $100,000 of a home's market value
Collections begin: Jan 2027if voters approve it in November

What it would cost your household

Levy cost estimator

Enter your home's market value to see the estimated cost of this levy alone.

Your home's market value

Per year

$551

Per month

$46

Half-year tax bill

$276

Ohio property taxes are figured on 35% of a home's market value, and one mill equals $1 for every $1,000 of that assessed value. This estimates the proposed 7-mill levy only. It does not include your existing property taxes, other levies on the same ballot, or credits and exemptions such as the homestead exemption. For your actual bill, check with the Hamilton County Auditor.

What the district says the money would do

If the levy passes

Cincinnati Public Schools says levy revenue would be recurring operating money used to:

Support classroom teachers, instructional materials and academic programs
Sustain academic, social, emotional and specialized student supports
Preserve college and career pathways, including credentials and college credit
Maintain arts, athletics, enrichment and after-school activities
Fund transportation, school security, technology, maintenance and priority facility needs

Source: Cincinnati Public Schools levy information page. These are the district's stated intentions, not a legally binding spending plan.

How this levy got on the ballot

June 23, 2026
The Board of Education reviews levy options for the November ballot, including five-year property tax levies at 7 mills and 8 mills.
July 27, 2026
In a special meeting the Board votes 5–2 to place a 0.75% earned income tax on the ballot instead — the first time the district had moved forward with an income tax. Some members said they were concerned about taxing longtime residents out of their homes. At 0.75%, the tax would have cost about $408 a year for someone earning the district's average earned income of $54,500.
July 28–30, 2026
Leaders of both the Hamilton County Democratic Party and the Hamilton County Republican Party publicly urge the district not to put an earned income tax on the ballot.
August 3, 2026
The Board votes 6–1 to rescind the earned income tax, ahead of the county's August 5 filing deadline. Board President Brandon Craig said the reversal reflected community concerns rather than pressure from either party.
On the November ballot
A 7-mill, five-year property tax operating levy goes to Cincinnati voters on November 3, 2026.

Sources

Cincinnati Public Schools, “Information About the CPS Property-Tax Levy on the November 3, 2026 Ballot” — cps-k12.org/our-district/cps-property-tax-levy
The Cincinnati Enquirer, “Why does Cincinnati Public Schools need more property tax dollars?” (August 26, 2026) — read on cincinnati.com
FOX19 NOW / Cincinnati Enquirer, “After backlash, school board votes to rescind earned income tax levy” (July 31, 2026) — read on fox19.com
Hamilton County Board of Elections — votehamiltoncountyohio.gov

Make sure you can vote

Everything here comes from the Hamilton County Board of Elections. Check your registration first — it takes about a minute, and it is the step people miss.

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A We Excel Cincinnati staff member talking with a parent at an outreach table

Election Day

Tuesday, Nov 3

Polls open 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Bring an accepted photo ID.

Monday, Oct 5

Online until 11:59 p.m. In person at the Board of Elections 8 a.m.–9 p.m., or at the BMV and public libraries during normal hours.

Early voting opens

Tuesday, Oct 6

In person at the Board of Elections, 4700 Smith Rd. Mail ballots also start going out this day.

Mail ballot requests due

Tuesday, Oct 27

Applications must reach the Board of Elections by 8:30 p.m.

Check your registration Register to vote Find your polling place See your sample ballot Three ways to vote

Questions? Call the Hamilton County Board of Elections at 513-946-8500, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Take the Voices & Views survey

Tell us what you already know, what you still want answered, and what matters most to your family. Your answers shape the questions we bring to our forums and to district leaders.

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We Excel Cincinnati volunteers preparing supplies for families

If the survey does not load here, open it in a new tab.

Join We Excel for a community forum on the levy

An informational community forum on the upcoming CPS levy. Bring your questions, hear from neutral experts, and talk it through with other Cincinnati families. Free and open to everyone. RSVP below. Contact weexcelcincy@gmail.com to partner or for media inquiries.