Amherst Schools asks voters for first operating levy in 13 years as funding pressures mount

AMHERST, Ohio -- As Ohio wrestles with how to fund its public schools — and with a growing movement to roll back or even abolish property taxes — one district is charting a new course. Amherst is breaking from tradition, asking voters next week to replace the familiar property tax levy with a 1.5% earned income tax, a model officials say better reflects ability to pay and protects seniors on fixed incomes.

For 13 years, the Amherst Exempted Village School District has managed without new operating revenue, stretching every dollar while state funding lagged and property tax growth stalled. But with reserves dwindling and costs rising, leaders say they can’t hold off any longer — and that Ohio’s outdated property tax system left them no choice.

Next week, voters will decide on Issue 16, a