About
Mentor Public Schools will have a five-year, 4.9-mill operating levy on the May 2026 Primary Election ballot. If approved by voters, the levy would generate $13.5 million per year to support the district’s general operating budget—the day-to-day costs required to maintain current services for our students.​

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Why Is a Levy Needed?
Like many public school districts in Ohio, Mentor Public Schools faces rising costs while revenue has remained relatively flat.
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Over the years, district leadership has worked hard to stretch every dollar, making $4.8 million in cuts since 2023.
Cost-saving measures have included:
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Reducing staff in proportion to student enrollment
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Closing and selling school buildings
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Redistricting schools
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Changing employee benefit plans
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Cutting departmental budgets
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Pursuing grants and alternative revenue sources
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Thanks to these efforts and careful long-term planning, the district has passed only one new-money operating levy in the past 20 years (in 2016).
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How Much Will it Cost?
​​The levy would cost the average homeowner* $415/year or $1.14/day.
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Our Focus Remains Clear:
✔ Provide a high-quality education
✔ Maintain safe learning environments
✔ Manage taxpayer dollars responsibly
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*Based on Lake County Auditor's reported average home value of $242,000



