What is wrong with the current situation?
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Rising costs for staffing, transportation, utilities, and supplies
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District’s growing student needs
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Last levy was passed in 2011, costs have steadily increased while funding has remained flat.
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State funding has remained largely flat over the years and has recently cut $4 million for PCSD despite increasing mandates and growing district needs, Federal Funding cut by an additional $1 million
What will the cuts be if it fails?
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More teacher and staff reductions
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Larger class sizes
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Cuts to extracurriculars like athletics, music, and clubs
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Pay to participate
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Reduced transportation for high school students services
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Fewer elective and advanced course offerings
REAL TALK - Why is this Levy NEEDED:
The Parma City School Board has approved a plan that will be on the ballot on May 5th, 2026.
Parma City Schools is facing a serious financial shortfall caused by rising operational costs, flat state funding, and the district’s growing student needs.
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Parma City Schools is entering deficit spending due to flat state funding and rising costs for staffing, transportation, utilities, and supplies. The levy will provide the operating revenue needed to avoid deep cuts to teachers, programming, and student services
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is on the ballot?
Parma City School District is asking voters to approve a 1.75% School District Earned Income Tax (SDIT) on the May 2026 ballot.
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If approved:
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The tax would apply only to earned income (wages, salaries, tips, and self-employment income) for residents living within the district
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The district would stop collecting three existing property tax levies beginning in 2028
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This would shift school funding from property taxes to income-based funding, providing property tax relief to homeowners
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For additional details on this FAQ, CLICK HERE.
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What will the levy cost?
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The proposed SDIT is 1.75% of earned income.
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That equals approximately:
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$30,000 income → about $525/year (~$44/month)
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$50,000 income → about $875/year (~$73/month)
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$75,000 income → about $1,312/year (~$109/month)
Important to know:
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Only earned income is taxed
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Income such as Social Security, pensions, retirement income, interest, and dividends is NOT taxed
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Only residents of the Parma City School District with earned income pay the tax
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Homeowners will also see a reduction in property taxes if the SDIT passes
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$20 per month per $100,000 home value
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For additional details on this FAQ, CLICK HERE.
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What is the difference between a levy and an income tax?
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A simple way to understand it:
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Property Tax Levies
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Based on the value of your home
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Paid by property owners regardless of income
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School District Income Tax (SDIT)
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Based on earned income only
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Paid only by district residents who have earned income
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Does not apply to retirement income, Social Security, or investments
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This proposal shifts funding from property taxes to income-based taxes, while reducing the district’s reliance on property tax levies.​
For additional details on this FAQ, CLICK HERE.
VOTER RESOURCES
Where to vote: FIND YOUR POLLING LOCATION HERE! Tuesday, May 5th, 2026 is Election Day! Click on the map icon to find your polling location.
Polls will are open from 6:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
CUYAHOGA COUNTY
Need to Register to vote? CLICK HERE | Am I Registered to vote? CLICK HERE | Check my Absentee Ballot - CLICK HERE
