Aurora City Schools Bond & Levy Information

This website shares information about the Aurora City School District provided by a committee made up of Aurora citizens.

URGENT CALL TO ACTION (JUNE 18, 2025)...

AURORA SCHOOLS NEED YOUR HELP! The funding decisions being made right now, at the state level, will have a direct impact on our students, teachers, and community. Please read Superintendent Milcetich's message below and contact our state representatives immediately. A fast-tracked proposal in Columbus—House Bill 335, the so-called “Property Tax Relief NOW Act”—would permanently eliminate inside millage, a voter-approved source of local

revenue that Ohio schools have relied on for more than a century. If we don’t receive this necessary funding, our schools will be forced to ask voters for more money—putting even greater financial strain on our community. The future of our schools is at stake!

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June 18, 2025

Dear Aurora Families and Community Members,

While I had hoped my first message to you would be informational and celebratory in nature, as we prepare for the new school year, we find ourselves in an existential crisis due to the state of Ohio’s legislative and budgetary situation. We are writing to alert you to an urgent threat to the financial stability of the Aurora City School District (ACSD) and to public schools across Ohio. A fast-tracked proposal in Columbus—House Bill 335, the so-called “Property Tax Relief NOW Act”—would permanently eliminate inside millage, a voter-approved source of local revenue that Ohio schools have relied on for more than a century. The General Assembly could fold this language into the state operating budget during Conference Committee negotiations that must conclude by June 30.

What House Bill 335 Would Cost Aurora:

● Inside millage in Aurora equals 5.6 mills—revenue our community never has to renew at the ballot box because state law guarantees it providing a crucial funding source.

● Based on the district’s most recent tax valuation and five-year forecast, eliminating inside millage would strip more than $6 million from ACSD every year—nearly 15% of our General Fund operating revenue.

Why This Matters:

ACSD has practiced conservative financial stewardship for decades. We have balanced our budget through shared services, careful staffing, and renewal—not new—operating levies (the last new-money request was in 2023. HB 335 would undo years of transparent planning and community partnership.

If enacted, HB 335 would:

● Eliminate critical inside millage without voter input.

● Slash $6.6 million annually from our budget.

● Force an unscheduled operating levy far earlier than planned or require deep, harmful cuts.

● Jeopardize essential programming and services for students.

What a $6 million loss means for Aurora: Potential Impact & Examples

POTENTIAL IMPACT: Cuts to academic & elective programs; EXAMPLES: Fine arts, world languages, AP, STEM, Career Tech, Athletic programs, extra curricular offerings
POTENTIAL IMPACT: Staff reductions (≈60 positions or 25% of staff); EXAMPLES: Classroom teachers, support personnel, student services
POTENTIAL IMPACT: Larger class sizes (over 40 per class) & fewer course offerings; EXAMPLES: Reduced individual attention, limited electives
POTENTIAL IMPACT: Deferred maintenance & capital projects; EXAMPLES: Roofs, HVAC, technology, buses
POTENTIAL IMPACT: Transportation reductions; EXAMPLES: Longer ride times, eliminated routes
POTENTIAL IMPACT: More frequent levy campaigns; EXAMPLES: Confusing, costly, and frustrating for taxpayers

We Need Your Voice—ACT NOW!

Local advocacy can make the difference. Please contact our state legislators today and urge them to oppose HB 335 or any attempt to insert its provisions into the budget:

State Representative Steve Demetriou (HD 35)

(614) 644-5088

rep35@ohiohouse.gov

Ohio House, 77 S. High St., 12th Fl., Columbus OH 43215

State Senator Kristina Roegner (SD 27)

(614) 466-4823

roegner@ohiosenate.gov

Ohio Senate, 1 Capitol Sq., Rm 142, Columbus OH 43215

Talking Points

1. Oppose HB 335 and keep it out of the state budget.

2. Don’t remove $6 million+ in guaranteed revenue from Aurora schools.

3. Protect local control—let voters, not Columbus, decide school funding.

4. Provide targeted tax relief without dismantling public education.

Spread the Word & Stay Informed

Share this message with neighbors, friends, and civic groups.
Follow updates on the district website and social media as the budget process unfolds.

Let’s Protect What We’ve Built Together

Aurora’s tradition of excellence reflects the values and investments of this community. A rushed legislative change must not undo years of careful planning and shared sacrifice. Please act now to safeguard our students’ futures and preserve high-quality public education in Aurora. Your voice matters!

Thank you for your partnership and standing with our schools.

Sincerely,

Paul Milcetich, PhD

‘25-’26 Superintendent, Aurora City School District

www.aurora-schools.org