Levy FAQs

Two things are happening at once. Mount Vernon still has significant facility needs, and the district is pursuing state funding support through the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) to reduce the local cost of those projects.

At the same time, changes in state funding and property tax laws have significantly reduced the expected revenue available to operate our schools. Together, these changes mean the district is projected to collect $11.5 million less over the next four years, nearly $2.9 million, or 6%, less each year than before tax reform.

These financial realities led to two changes in our plan: a smaller facility project, and new funding directed to the district's operating needs. Rather than raise the proposed tax rate, the district reduced the scope of the building plan so the 1% earned income tax could address both.

Our financial situation has shifted. State funding and property tax changes now mean Mount Vernon faces both aging buildings and a shrinking operating budget at the same time. 

Many of the district’s school buildings are 70–122 years old and require significant repairs or replacement. These facilities were built in a different era and no longer meet today’s educational, safety, and accessibility standards.

Through a partnership with the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC), the state will cover approximately 36% of eligible project costs—nearly $26 million.

This funding is time sensitive. The district has a 16-month window from January 2026 to secure local approval of the levy. If the levy is not passed within that time frame, the district would lose access to this significant state investment.

Delaying action will increase costs, lead to more frequent and expensive repairs, and put critical state funding at risk. The district has been offered nearly $26 million in state support, but this funding is time-sensitive. If the levy is not approved, the district could lose this significant opportunity to invest in its schools.

The district is addressing a number of challenges, including aging buildings and a shrinking operating budget.

BUILDING CHALLENGES

• Aging Facilities: Many buildings are well past their expected lifespan.
• Safety and Security: Older layouts and systems do not meet current safety standards.
• Educational Adequacy: Classrooms and spaces were not designed for today’s learning needs.
• Operational Efficiency: Outdated systems lead to higher utility and maintenance costs.
• Equity and Accessibility: Facilities do not consistently provide equal access or modern resources for all students.

FINANCIAL CHALLENGES

• Changes in state funding and property tax laws have significantly reduced the expected revenue available to operate our schools.
• The district is projected to collect $11.5 million less over the next four years, nearly $2.9 million, or 6%, less each year than before tax reform.

Together, these challenges impact the learning environment and the district’s ability to operate efficiently and effectively.

After a multi‑year facilities assessment with the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC), the district determined that replacing outdated buildings is more cost‑effective than continuing to repair them. The levy provides the local funding needed to begin this long‑term facilities plan.

At the same time, changes in state funding and property tax laws have significantly reduced the expected revenue available to operate our schools.

The funding would support a comprehensive plan to improve learning environments across the district, including:

• Construction of three new elementary schools
• A new high school auditorium and music facility to support student and community events
• Safety and security enhancements
• Infrastructure improvements, including mechanical systems, accessibility, and site upgrades

These projects are designed to provide modern, safe, and efficient facilities that meet the needs of today’s students and community.

Mount Vernon’s facilities face a range of significant issues identified through the OFCC assessment and district evaluations, including:

• Aging roofs nearing or past their usable lifespan
• Outdated HVAC systems that are inefficient, unreliable, and costly to maintain
• Plumbing and electrical systems that no longer meet modern safety or capacity standards
• Accessibility limitations, including entrances, restrooms, and circulation areas that do not fully meet ADA expectations
• Classrooms designed for a different era, lacking the flexibility, technology access, and safety features required for today’s instruction
• Parking and traffic flow patterns are inefficient and are a safety concern.
• Rising maintenance costs as systems age and require more frequent emergency repairs
• Several buildings are now at the point where renovation would cost nearly as much as replacement, making new construction the fiscally responsible option.

Most of Mount Vernon’s school buildings were constructed decades ago and have simply aged beyond their intended lifespan. While the district has invested in repairs and maintenance over the years, systems reach end‑of‑life, emergency repairs become more frequent and more expensive, making long‑term planning essential.

The district’s Master Facility Plan was formally approved by the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) in January 2026.  Once a district receives OFCC approval, it has 16 months to pass a local funding measure in order to utilize the state’s contribution — estimated at approximately 36% of eligible project costs or nearly $26 million. 

Placing the levy on the November ballot keeps Mount Vernon City Schools within that required window and preserves access to significant state funding.

At the same time, changes in state funding and property tax laws have significantly reduced the anticipated revenue available to operate our schools. Together, these changes mean the district is projected to collect $11.5 million less over the next four years, nearly $2.9 million, or 6%, less each year.

These financial realities led to two changes in our plan: a smaller facility project, and new funding directed to the district's operating needs.

The current auditorium seats just over 400 people and no longer meets the needs of the district. Many performances and assemblies must be split or modified due to limited capacity, and some elementary buildings are unable to use the space at all. At times, events have standing-room-only audiences.

With graduating classes of approximately 300 students per grade, the space cannot accommodate even two grade levels at once for assemblies. In addition, the current stage is too small to support many musical or theatrical performances.

A new auditorium would provide adequate seating and improved functionality for student performances, assemblies, and community events. The estimated cost of the new auditorium is approximately $13.5 million.

Repairs can approach the cost of replacement while only providing short-term solutions. Many of the district’s buildings are 70–122 years old and still would not meet today’s safety, accessibility, or educational standards after repairs.

Additionally, the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) has determined that 5 of the district’s 6 elementary schools are beyond cost-effective repair. Choosing renovation would mean losing nearly $26 million in state funding.

Replacing these buildings provides a more practical, long-term solution for students and the community

Students will benefit from safer schools, modern learning spaces, and environments designed for today’s educational needs.

Improvements include dedicated kitchens and cafeterias, updated art and music spaces, and specialized classrooms to better support students with special needs. New facilities will also feature modern HVAC and lighting systems for improved comfort and efficiency, along with enhanced safety and security measures, including safer transportation pick-up and drop-off areas.

These upgrades create a more supportive, engaging, and secure learning environment for all students.