Canton Local Schools

Q: What is on the ballot?

A: Canton Local Schools is asking voters to renew an existing 10.8-mill levy on the November 4, 2025 ballot.

Q: How long has this levy been in place?

A: The levy has been in place since 2001. Its most recent five-year renewal was approved in 2021.

Q: What does the levy support?

A: The levy supports day-to-day operations (such as staff and supplies) and permanent improvements (such as buses and building upgrades).

Q: What happens if the levy is renewed?

A: The current tax rate stays the same. The district continues receiving funds to support operations and permanent improvements.

Q: What happens if the levy is not renewed?

A: Homeowners would save about $5 per month on a $200,000 home (around $60 per year). The district would lose approximately $2 million in funding from public utilities, such as AEP and Dominion Energy.

Q: Who benefits most if the levy fails?

A: Public utility companies, which pay the full 10.8 mills, would collectively save nearly $2 million per year.

Q: What happens if a new levy is needed in the future?

A: If the current levy fails, the tax burden would shift away from public utility companies and fall more heavily on local homeowners and businesses.

Q: Would homeowners see full savings if the levy fails?

A: Due to Ohio’s school funding laws (the “20-mill floor”), most of the savings for homeowners would be offset as other levies automatically adjust to maintain funding. Homeowners would save about $5 per month on a $200,000 home (around $60 per year). 

Q: What portion of the levy would be fully eliminated if not renewed?

A: Only the 0.97 mills used for permanent improvements would be eliminated.

Q: Is there a more detailed explanation of “current expenses” and “permanent improvements,”  and what these funds will be used for?

A: Operating levies cover the essential, day-to-day costs that keep our schools running smoothly and our classrooms thriving. These funds support salaries and benefits for more than 300 dedicated employees, including teachers, bus drivers, nutrition services staff, aides, monitors, administrators, and security personnel, all of whom play a vital role in serving our students every day.

Permanent Improvement (PI) funds, renewed every five years, are designated for long-term capital needs. Over the next five years, PI funds are tentatively planned for:

• Bus purchases
• Chromebooks and laptops for students and staff
• Parking lot improvements
• Upgrades and maintenance at Faircrest Memorial Elementary

All district expenses are approved by the Canton Local Board of Education and are available for public review in board meeting minutes at:
🔗go to www.cantonlocal.org/boardofeducation

Q: Does this money go toward hiring more sheriffs or security personnel?
A: The renewal levy does not add new security positions but helps the district continue funding existing safety measures.

Canton Local Schools partners with the Stark County Sheriff’s Office, maintaining a team of two School Resource Officers (SROs), a deputy, and a sergeant who serve daily in our buildings, along with three deputized officers stationed as security at each building.

The district invests over $400,000 each year in school security and safety personnel to protect our students and staff.

Q: How can I learn more?

A: Contact the Stark County Auditor at 330-451-7357 or Canton Local Schools Treasurer at  330-484-8010.