Barberton City Schools Seeks $11M Operating Levy

Voters to decide on tax hike to address budget shortfall and avoid staffing cuts

Apr. 16, 2026 at 8:44pm

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A bold, colorful silkscreen-style illustration featuring a repeating grid of school supplies like textbooks, pencils, and notebooks, conveying the importance of educational resources and funding for the Barberton community.The future of Barberton's schools rests on a community vote to approve critical operating funds.Barberton Today

Barberton City Schools is asking voters to approve an $11-mill operating levy on May 5 to address an estimated $11 million budget shortfall. The levy would generate $5.96 million annually and cost property owners $385 per year per $100,000 of property valuation. The district cites factors like changes in state funding, property tax reform, inflation, and rising healthcare costs as contributing to its financial challenges.

Why it matters

The passage of this levy is crucial for Barberton City Schools to maintain current staffing levels and educational programs. Without the additional funding, the district will be forced to make significant cuts that could directly impact students and the broader community.

The details

Barberton City Schools has already implemented $5.8 million in personnel-related savings starting in fiscal year 2027, including the elimination of 5 administrator positions, 49 certified staff, and 33 non-certified staff. Even with these reductions, the district's financial forecast shows a structural imbalance between recurring revenues and expenditures that the levy is intended to address.

  • Voters will decide on the $11-mill operating levy on May 5, 2026.
  • The district's current $19.16-mill operating levy is scheduled for renewal in 2029.

The players

Barberton City Schools

The public school district serving the city of Barberton, Ohio.

Jason Ondrus

Superintendent of Barberton City Schools.

Allison Martzolf

A Barberton resident and parent who supports the levy.

Amanda Oakes

A Barberton graduate and parent who opposes the levy.

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What they’re saying

“I'm supporting the Barberton City School District levy because our kids – and our community – deserve stability, opportunity, and support. Strong schools mean safe spaces, consistent resources, and real chances for students to succeed. When schools are supported, the whole community is stronger. This isn't just about education – it's about showing up for our kids and investing in their future.”

— Allison Martzolf, Barberton resident and parent

“Why are teachers being laid off when they have no control over the budget? Why is no one who actually caused the problem being held accountable for the problem? I had this conversation with another citizen, and she likened the situation to blaming someone when a building was on fire rather than putting the fire out and then figuring out what happened. My response to her was: We're beyond an active fire. We are standing in the street, staring at the burnt-out building debating on giving the people who set it on fire more money.”

— Amanda Oakes, Barberton graduate and parent

What’s next

Voters in Barberton will head to the polls on May 5, 2026 to decide the fate of the $11-mill operating levy. If approved, the additional funding would help the district avoid further staffing cuts and maintain current educational programs.

The takeaway

This levy vote highlights the financial challenges facing many public school districts, as they grapple with factors like changing state funding, rising costs, and the need to provide quality education to their communities. The outcome of this vote will have significant implications for the students and families of Barberton.