Neutral and nonpartisan. This explainer says what Issue 9 does. It does not tell you how to vote. Ballot language and costs come from the official Lucas County Board of Elections sample ballot. Statements from district officials are attributed to them.
What you will see on the ballot
"An additional tax for the benefit of Toledo City School District for the purpose of current expenses."
In plain language
Issue 9 is a new 6.9-mill property tax for Toledo Public Schools. "Current expenses" means the district's day-to-day operating costs. It lasts 5 years. Only voters who live in the Toledo City School District vote on it.
What it costs you
The county auditor's estimate is $242 a year for every $100,000 of your home's market value.
- $75,000 home: about $182 a year (about $15 a month)
- $100,000 home: $242 a year (about $20 a month)
- $150,000 home: about $363 a year (about $30 a month)
- $200,000 home: $484 a year (about $40 a month)
The county auditor estimates it would raise about $22.8 million a year for the district.
To find your home's market value, look up your address on the Lucas County Auditor's site (AREIS). Market value is not the same as what you paid or what it would sell for today.
Why the district says it needs it
These are the district treasurer's figures, as presented to the school board:
- The district ended the fiscal year with about $9.9 million in carryover. One payroll can be about $8.7 million.
- Yearly deficits: $21.4 million in 2023, $32.8 million in 2024, $48.2 million in 2025, and $24.0 million in 2026.
- The levy could keep the district solvent "at least to 2030" under current forecasts.
District leaders also said the district used about $170 million in federal pandemic (ESSER) funds on programs and positions that were not self-sustaining once that money ended.
Other options the board considered
The board also discussed a 1 percent income tax, which the treasurer said would raise about $33 million a year. The board chose the property levy after consultants advised that the district's voting history favored property levies.
If it passes / if it fails
- If it passes: the tax is first collected in 2027 and runs for 5 years.
- If it fails: the tax is not collected. The district can place a levy on a later ballot.
Key facts
- New tax, not a renewal.
- 6.9 mills, 5 years, first collected in 2027.
- Needs a majority yes vote to pass.
Verified October 4, 2026.