- Today
- Holidays
- Birthdays
- Reminders
- Cities
- Atlanta
- Austin
- Baltimore
- Berwyn
- Beverly Hills
- Birmingham
- Boston
- Brooklyn
- Buffalo
- Charlotte
- Chicago
- Cincinnati
- Cleveland
- Columbus
- Dallas
- Denver
- Detroit
- Fort Worth
- Houston
- Indianapolis
- Knoxville
- Las Vegas
- Los Angeles
- Louisville
- Madison
- Memphis
- Miami
- Milwaukee
- Minneapolis
- Nashville
- New Orleans
- New York
- Omaha
- Orlando
- Philadelphia
- Phoenix
- Pittsburgh
- Portland
- Raleigh
- Richmond
- Rutherford
- Sacramento
- Salt Lake City
- San Antonio
- San Diego
- San Francisco
- San Jose
- Seattle
- Tampa
- Tucson
- Washington
Lorain Today
By the People, for the People
Lorain School District Approves $17.6M in Cuts to Remain Solvent
The district will eliminate 167 jobs, cut academic programs, and repurpose school buildings as it seeks voter approval for an 11-mill levy.
Published on Feb. 27, 2026
Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›
The Lorain City Schools Board of Education voted 4-1 to approve a $17.6 million budget reduction plan that will eliminate 167 district positions, cut academic programs like middle school health and Spanish classes, and repurpose school buildings as the district works to remain financially solvent. The plan will now be submitted to the Ohio Department of Education for final approval.
Why it matters
Lorain City Schools has faced ongoing financial challenges, and this drastic budget reduction plan is an attempt to stabilize the district's finances. The cuts will significantly impact students, teachers, and the broader community, raising concerns about the potential effects on vulnerable student populations and the future of neighborhood schools.
The details
The budget reduction plan includes eliminating 167 district positions, 106 of which are currently held by members of the teachers' union. The district will also reduce the number of traditional K-5 elementary schools, converting two existing buildings into a preschool center and a specialized school for students with autism. Several academic and extracurricular programs will be cut, including middle school health, Spanish, and choir classes, as well as district-funded field trips and software programs.
- The Lorain City Schools Board of Education voted on the $17.6 million budget reduction plan on Thursday, February 27, 2026.
- The district has placed an 11-mill levy on the May 2026 ballot, which is expected to generate about $10.7 million annually to help stabilize the district's finances through 2030.
The players
Lorain City Schools Board of Education
The governing body of the Lorain City School District, which voted 4-1 to approve the $17.6 million budget reduction plan.
Courtney Nazario
The president of the Lorain City Schools Board of Education, who cast the lone dissenting vote against the budget reduction plan.
Lorain Education Association
The teachers' union representing the district, with 106 positions set to be eliminated as part of the budget cuts.
Jeff Graham
The superintendent of Lorain City Schools, who warned that additional cuts of $4 million to $8 million would be necessary if the district's 11-mill levy fails to pass in May.
What’s next
The district's $17.6 million budget reduction plan will now be submitted to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce for final approval. The district has also placed an 11-mill levy on the May 2026 ballot, which is expected to generate about $10.7 million annually to help stabilize the district's finances through 2030.
The takeaway
Lorain City Schools is facing a dire financial situation, leading to significant cuts that will deeply impact students, teachers, and the broader community. The district's ability to maintain essential programs and services will depend on the outcome of the upcoming levy vote, which will determine whether additional cuts are necessary or if some services can be restored.
