Lake Schools Facing Funding Shortfall in Coming Years

District treasurer warns of projected $5.5 million deficit by 2028-29 school year

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Lake schools in Ohio are facing a growing financial shortfall, with projected deficits increasing from $1.8 million this school year to $5.5 million by 2028-29. The district's treasurer, Maria Robinson, said the largest revenue source - state funding - has begun to decline, forcing the district to explore options like operating levies or income tax increases to address the gap.

Why it matters

Lake schools, like many districts across Ohio, are struggling with declining state funding and rising costs. This financial crunch could force the district to make difficult decisions about staffing, programs, and other budget areas that could impact the quality of education for students.

The details

According to data presented at a special school board meeting, Lake schools' total revenue has begun to decline, with the largest shortfalls projected in state funding. The district is exploring various options to address the growing deficit, including operating levies, earned income taxes, or income tax levies. The last time the district went to voters for an operating levy was in 2015, excluding a 2021 bond issue to build a new elementary school.

  • The 2025-2026 school year is when the financial shortfalls are projected to begin.
  • By the end of the 2028-29 school year, the deficit is expected to reach $5.5 million.

The players

Maria Robinson

The school system's treasurer who presented the financial forecast to the school board.

Nick Baer

The school board president who acknowledged the district's strategy for addressing the shortfall will take several months to play out.

Marjoe Cooper

The schools superintendent who said the district is committed to ensuring the education of Lake students is not negatively impacted.

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What they’re saying

“Our total revenue has begun to decline. The largest amounts are state funding, and you will see from 'Other Receipts-State.'”

— Maria Robinson, School system treasurer (The Toledo Blade)

“The soonest would be the May ballot in 2027 of when a specific Lake operating levy might appear before voters.”

— Nick Baer, School board president (The Toledo Blade)

“Kids are the reason we are here. I use my '10 minute analogy' all the time. If the superintendent walks out and you wait 10 minutes, this place is going to go on. If I am here and all the principals walk out and you wait 10 minutes, this place is going to go on. If I am here, the principals are here, and the teachers all walk out, this place is going to go on. If I am here, the principals are here, the teachers are here, and the kids walk out, we don't have jobs. We have to keep the focus on them and that will always be the case.”

— Marjoe Cooper, Schools superintendent (The Toledo Blade)

What’s next

The school district is exploring various options to address the projected funding shortfall, including operating levies, earned income taxes, or income tax levies. The soonest a specific Lake operating levy could appear on the ballot is May 2027.

The takeaway

Lake schools, like many districts in Ohio, are facing a growing financial crunch due to declining state funding. While the district is committed to maintaining the quality of education for students, tough decisions may be required in the coming years to address the projected multi-million dollar deficits.