Have questions? Get answers.
These are some of the most common questions we’ve received about the upcoming levy. Feel free to reach out to any levy committee member with additional questions.
Why have the district’s expenses increased?
Just like in our everyday lives, expenses are increasing at a rapid rate. Despite the district’s best efforts to implement cost-saving measures, inflationary factors are causing expenses to climb.
Why is the district asking for an earned income tax?
At a time when there is so much opposition to property taxes, adding an income tax to Wynford’s funding makes great sense. Adding an earned income tax to our current property tax ensures a fairer distribution of the tax responsibility.
My property taxes have gone up. Doesn’t the school get more money from that increase?
Even though property taxes increase when property values increase, Ohio law prevents schools from collecting all of the increase. The rest of the increase goes to other government entities.
What is the length of the levy? How much will it cost me?
If passed, the levy will be in place for a period of 10 years. To calculate your personal responsibility, multiply your taxable wages by 1.75%. Click to learn more about what’s taxed and what’s not.
What does “earned income” mean?
This tax levy is an earned income tax levy. It is important to understand how “earned income” is defined and how it differs from total income shown on a federal tax return. Unlike some tax systems, there is no single line on the federal Form 1040 labeled “earned income” that directly determines this tax. Instead, “earned income” is constructed from specific parts of the tax return, rather than gross income or adjusted gross income. To learn more about earned income, click here to download a fact sheet.
What happens if the levy doesn’t pass?
If the levy doesn’t pass, then a series of additional cuts will be implemented to help balance the district’s budget. This is in addition to the over $850,000 cuts made this year.
What is the levy?
The Wynford Board of Education voted to place the 1.75% Earned Income Tax for 10 years on the November 3, 2026 ballot. This tax applies only to earned income (such as wages, salaries, tips, and self-employment earnings) rather than unearned income like interest, annuities, retirement income, rental income, social security, dividends, or capital gains. The income tax is expected to raise approximately $2.4 million per year.
Will this raise my property taxes?
NO! The Board of Education wants to ease the property taxes of Wynford residents. If the income tax is passed the Board of Education will allow the $350,000 emergency levy, that was first passed in 1994, to lapse when it next comes up for renewal, giving taxpayers much needed tax relief.
How will the money be used?
The money will be used for general operating expenses such as supplies, materials, repairs, staffing needs, and capital improvements. It will help us maintain the excellent programs that we have and expand where we must to provide a 21st century education for our students.
What is the current financial status of the district?
Due to the responsible action of the district to make sizable cuts in spending ($850,273), the district’s short term financial condition is favorable. However, if new revenue is not secured, the district will face a sizable cash fund deficit beginning in 2030 that could compound into millions of dollars and seriously threaten the quality of education offered to our children.
What has the district done to address the current financial situation?
Since January of 2026 the district has reduced costs by $850,273. The superintendent and treasurer have undertaken a policy of fiscal discipline and restraint in order to reverse the trend of deficit spending that has occurred over the last four years.
When did the district last ask for and receive new operating levies?
More than 20 years ago – 2003.