Fixed-Sum Levy Renewal

Northwestern Local Schools Fixed-Sum Levy Renewal

November 3, 2026

Please submit any questions to the link below.

Northwestern Local Schools Levy Renewal Question Submission 

Why is the District Seeking Continued Funding through the Renewal of Fixed-Sum Levy on November 3, 2026?

The district is seeking a Fixed-Sum renewal levy for continued funding to protect its long-term financial stability and preserve a high-quality educational experience for every student in grades PreK–12. This renewal is not based on a single short-term need, it is a proactive response to several interconnected challenges that may affect the district’s ability to serve students and families in the next five years ahead. This levy is a renewal of previously approved funds and will only remain in effect through December 2031.

Providing Financial Security Based on the Five-Year Forecast

A five-year forecast is an important planning tool because it allows the district and community to see potential financial challenges before they become immediate crises. The district’s current five-year financial forecast indicates that, without continued revenue, expenditures are projected to exceed available resources and the district will enter deficit conditions by Fiscal Year 2030.

Should the district lose the previously approved funding, the district would lose a cumulative amount of $2,053,800 from FY 2027 through FY 2030. Proactive funding allows the district to plan responsibly, maintain continuity, and use community resources more effectively.

Addressing Uncertainty in Ohio’s School-Funding System

Ohio’s school funding environment remains complex and uncertain. State funding is influenced by legislative decisions, funding formulas, enrollment calculations, property values, and other factors that are outside the district’s direct control. This uncertainty makes a dependable local funding base especially important. Local funding gives the district greater control over long-term planning and helps reduce its vulnerability to changes in the state budget, school-funding formula or legislative initiatives.

A Proactive Investment in the District’s Future

The district’s goal is to act before financial deficits or uncertain state support restricts the choices available to the community. Renewed funding would allow the district to strengthen its financial position beyond the current five-year forecast, respond to uncertainty in Ohio’s school-funding system, and preserve an excellent academic and social-emotional experience for all PreK–12 students.

Stable funding would help the district retain and attract high-quality staff, preserve important programs, respond to changing student needs, and provide consistent opportunities across all grade levels. It would also allow the district to continue supporting students who need additional academic, behavioral, or emotional assistance without reducing opportunities for other learners.

Ultimately, this is an investment in responsible planning, community stability, and student success. By addressing these needs now, the district can better protect the quality of education that families expect while preparing responsibly for the students and community of the future.