At a televised State of the Schools ceremony on Tuesday, Cincinnati Public Schools superintendent Shauna Murphy used an art-themed backdrop to announce a series of milestones for the district. She highlighted that, for the first time since Ohio instituted its star-rating system, the district has secured an overall three-star score. The announcement came even though the district has been forced to absorb more than $100 million in budget reductions across two fiscal cycles.
Murphy pointed to measurable gains in three critical report-card categories: progress, gap-closing, and career-technical education. “For the very first time in the history of the star rating system in the state of Ohio, Cincinnati Public Schools has earned three stars overall,” she said, underscoring the significance of the achievement. She also noted that literacy, attendance, and graduation rates remain focal points for future improvement.
Historic rating and district achievements
The three-star outcome reflects a concerted effort to lift student outcomes despite severe fiscal constraints. Board President Brandon Craig blamed state-level funding cuts for many of the district’s financial headaches, adding that the school system is still committed to “every single student” even after the $100 million in cuts. Murphy’s presentation showcased student performances, highlighted rising test scores, and described a roadmap that stretches to 2030, aiming to build on current momentum.
Funding challenges and the upcoming levy
While the ceremony celebrated progress, the underlying financial reality loomed large. The district is slated to place Issue 4 on the November 3 ballot—a five-year, 7-mill property tax levy designed to generate roughly $66.3 million annually. If approved, the levy would add about $245 per year for every $100,000 of assessed property value, representing roughly a 20 % increase for many homeowners.
Craig defended the levy, asserting that the board had made a “strong case” for the tax increase and that the community understands how the money would support students. He warned that without the new revenue stream, the district could face further cuts to staff and student services, jeopardizing the gains reflected in the recent star rating.
Community split and opposition viewpoint
Not all voices echo the board’s optimism. Former board member Ozie Davis III published an opinion piece urging voters to reject Issue 4, arguing that families are already stretched thin by rising rent, grocery, and fuel costs, while wages remain stagnant. Davis highlighted that a 20 % tax hike would place additional strain on households already grappling with economic pressure.
Davis also criticized the board’s process, noting that the levy was introduced after an initial proposal for an earnings tax was abruptly abandoned, and that the property levy appeared on the ballot without a comprehensive strategic plan. He contrasted this approach with the earlier successful “Preschool Promise” campaign, which involved extensive community input and a clear, long-term financial blueprint.
Both sides agree that education funding is at a crossroads, but they differ sharply on the path forward. Supporters contend that the levy is essential to preserve the district’s recent progress and to fund the 2030 plan, while opponents warn that the tax increase could backfire by hurting the very families the schools aim to serve.
As Cincinnati residents prepare to cast their ballots on Nov. 3, the decision will determine whether the district can sustain its historic three-star rating and continue expanding programs such as career-technical education, or whether it will have to navigate another round of austerity measures.
