By: Gia Killilea

On November 3rd, voters will decide whether the proposed school levy will pass. This decision could affect how much students and families pay to participate in school sports and other extracurricular activities. If this levy doesn’t pass, the district may increase pay-to-participate fees to help cover the costs of athletic programs.

The state of Ohio passed House Bill 96 on June 25, 2025. This bill dropped state funding for public schools from the previous 43% - 47% to a historic low of 32%. Essentially, the state's funding went from funding practically half of all public schools' costs to only covering ⅓ of the cost.

If this levy is passed, it will implement a 2% earned income tax starting in 2027, replacing the current 0.75% traditional income tax. If this levy is not passed, it will not just affect pay-to-participate fees, but much more than that. 

The district would have to cut approximately $5.1 million starting in fall of 2028. This deficit would affect “reductions in staffing, programs, transportation, and operations impacts that would be felt across every building in the district,” according to SWL for Kids.

The current average pay-to-participate fee for high school sports is $170 per sport, while marching band fees are $125. The average pay-to-participate fee for the middle school is $80 per sport. The new pay-to-participate fee would increase to $420. This includes drop-and-go trips only (2-hour limit).

The neighboring school district, Newark, does not charge it’s students pay-to-participate fees. Instead, they fund their athletic programs through district budgeting, gate receipts, and an athletic booster program. 

20 WMHS students were asked, “Would you be able to play sports if the fee was $420?” 15 out of the 20 said that they would not be able to play due to them not being able to front the cost. By implementing this $420 pay to participate fee, you are making high school sports less accessible for many students.

Election day is Tuesday November 3, 2026.