Finance

Tangible Personal Property (TPP) Tax Phase-Out

Ohio’s phase-out of the Tangible Personal Property (TPP) tax significantly reduced a major source of funding for many school districts, including Solon City Schools. As the state eliminated reimbursements tied to this tax, the district experienced an annual funding loss of approximately $750,000. As recently as fiscal year 2017, Tangible Personal Property (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. 

Ongoing Advocacy with State Lawmakers

District leaders continue to engage with state legislators and education organizations to share the local impact of state funding decisions. Through ongoing advocacy efforts, Solon City Schools works to ensure lawmakers understand how changes to state policy affect educational programs, district operations and the services provided to students and families.
 

Strategic Planning and Elementary Redistricting

As part of a districtwide strategic planning process, Solon City Schools implemented a plan to educate our policymakers and stakeholders about the financial challenges facing the Solon Schools community and actively engage them to find solutions that secure funding for the district’s growing financial needs.

As part of that plan, the district has implemented Finance Facts, an educational series designed to explain key topics in school funding as they relate to Solon Schools. These articles provide accessible information to help our community understand the complexities of school finance in Ohio. 

The series helps residents understand how the Solon City Schools compare to other Ohio districts within the broader financial landscape facing public education statewide. By addressing both local fiscal management and statewide funding challenges, Finance Facts provides context for the district's financial position while highlighting the cost-saving measures and strategic partnerships that allow Solon to maintain educational excellence while receiving only 5% of funding from state sources.

2013 Permanent Improvement and Operating Levy

In November 2013, voters approved a combined 0.8-mill permanent improvement and operating levy. This levy replaced expiring debt and supports facility maintenance, capital improvements and operational needs, including safety and security enhancements across district buildings.

2018 Operating Levy

In May 2018, Solon and Glenwillow voters overwhelmingly approved a phased-in 8.5-mill incremental operating levy to support district initiatives and maintain the excellence of the educational and extra-curricular programming for students.