Board Approves Resolution to Place Operating 6.9-Mill Levy on the May 5 Ballot

Solon Board of Education Building exterior

Jan 29 2026

The Solon Board of Education approved January 26 the second of two required resolutions to place a 6.9-mill operating levy on the May 5 ballot for current operating expenses and maintains the district's longstanding approach to sustainable funding over the past 40 years.

Through savvy financial management strategies and the cooperation of Solon Schools staff through negotiated agreements, the district has extended the levy cycle to eight years, said Solon Superintendent Fred Bolden. This represents the district's first operating levy request since 2018.

"The Solon Schools are the primary reason families choose to move to our community. The city is a destination community for businesses as well," Mr. Bolden said. "In this era of accountability, the Solon Schools are meeting the independent measures of quality and high performance while also being fiscally responsible to the community."

"Solon has the highest student achievement results in the state but is not rewarded for that success," he added. "Unlike in the private sector where a business receives financial gains for performing at the top of their industry, high achievement results in education do not yield even a penny in increased revenue."

Among Lowest State Funding in Ohio

The Solon City Schools continue to receive among the lowest state funding per pupil in Ohio and is one of the most reliant districts in the state on local revenues. Solon now ranks 4th lowest in the state for state revenue per pupil at $2,382.03.

“Despite a percentage funding increase in last summer's state budget, remarkably, our comparative position statewide has worsened," said Solon Schools Treasurer Tim Pickana. "We've inexplicably dropped this year — from having seven districts below us in per-pupil state funding last year to only three this year."

Looking at the most recent data from the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, when federal and state funds are combined, the district’s revenue ranking drops further to 2nd lowest in Ohio. “With state and federal revenue per pupil combined, Solon receives $2,808.71—only $23.62 more per pupil than the lowest funded district statewide,” Mr. Pickana explained.

The district has implemented substantial cost-saving measures and demonstrated fiscal discipline over the past eight years, Mr. Pickana added, noting: "Our state funding levels have remained among the lowest in Ohio during this time period, while the district continued to provide an excellent education and absorbed the multi-million dollar compounding loss of Tangible Personal Property tax reimbursement reimbursement."

As recently as fiscal year 2017, TPP reimbursements represented $8.3 million, or 12 percent of the district’s annual operating revenues. Following state law changes, these funds were phased out and completely eliminated in fiscal year 2025.

Academic Achievement and Fiscal Responsibility

Mr. Bolden emphasized that Solon students are excelling in and out of the classroom while the district remains financially accountable to the community.

"The Solon City Schools represent the gold standard in public education, maintaining its prestigious position among Ohio's top-tier school districts through exceptional academic achievement and exemplary fiscal leadership," Mr. Bolden said. "Solon is focused on meeting the needs of every student every day and allocating spending closest to where it will make the biggest impact for our students. In fact, Solon's per-pupil spending not only compares favorably statewide given our students' excellent achievement, but the district spends upwards of $10,000 less per pupil than some neighboring comparison districts."

“This is a pivotal time for our district,” he added. “Our mission directs us to meet the needs of every student every day by ensuring all students attain the knowledge and skills necessary to become contributing, ethical citizens. We are able to fulfill the promise of our mission through our partnership with the community.”