Mentor Schools Asks Voters for $13.5M Levy Amid Service Concerns | The Locally Times
If approved in May 2026, the 4.9-mill levy would increase property taxes to generate $13.5 million annually, funding operations and preventing potential service reductions.
Mentor residents face a critical decision in May 2026: approve a $13.5 million annual levy that would increase property taxes, or risk potential cuts to school services. The Mentor Board of Education has voted to place a five-year, 4.9-mill levy on the ballot for the May 2026 Primary Election. If approved, this measure would generate $13.5 million annually for the district’s general operating budget, covering day-to-day costs and maintaining current service levels. This proposal directly affects Mentor residents through potential changes in their property taxes, as the levy is designed to secure funding for ongoing educational services. ## The Levy's Purpose and Scope The Mentor Board of Education's decision to place the five-year, 4.9-mill levy on the May 2026 Primary Election ballot aims to secure key funding. Public information from the school district states these funds are intended to support the general operating budget and cover the daily expenses required to maintain the current level of services. The district emphasizes its focus on providing high-quality education, exercising prudent fiscal management, and maintaining a safe learning environment. The specific date in May 2026 for the primary election has not been detailed in available public records. ## Funding Current Services and Programs The proposed levy seeks to sustain the range of educational offerings and operational necessities within Mentor Schools. The district highlights various ongoing activities that represent its current service levels. For instance, kindergarten registration for the 2026-2027 school year opened on March 1, 2026, for eligible children. Students registered by May 1, 2026, are scheduled to participate in a Kindergarten Day Meet and Greet event at each elementary school later in May 2026. Additionally, Mentor Schools recently hosted a Career Academies Expo, providing 10th-grade students with opportunities to explore career pathways and elective options. Enrollment for Mentor High School Preschool for the 2026-2027 school year is also open, a program designed to offer learning experiences for young children while supporting high school students pursuing education careers. The 2026-27 Mentor Schools Career Academies course offerings catalog is available for review by 10th-grade students and their parents or guardians. These ongoing programs and initiatives are the types of services the proposed levy is intended to fund. ## Taxpayer Impact and Unanswered Questions Approval of the 4.9-mill levy would result in an increase in property taxes for Mentor residents, as the funds are generated through millage. While the levy's purpose is to maintain current service levels, suggesting that without this additional funding, the district could face reductions to its programs, staffing, or resources, public records do not specify the exact financial impact on individual taxpayer bills. The district has also not detailed specific programs or services that would be affected if the levy fails to pass. Furthermore, a detailed breakdown of how the $13.5 million annually would be allocated to specific components of the district's general operating budget or day-to-day costs is not available in public information. Public records also do not include information on the district's current budget or any existing financial challenges that led to the levy proposal.