Community at a crossroads

For more than a decade, Findlay has been recognized as the top micropolitan in the United States. According to Site Selection, our "plucky yet muscular manufacturing town" is chosen not just for its economic development but also for its well-known Midwest work ethic. That word — plucky — stood out to me. It means "having or showing determined courage in the face of difficulties." It perfectly describes where we are as a community right now. In the 11 years that Findlay has earned this top micropolitan ranking, Findlay City Schools has seen fluctuations in academic performance on the state report card's Performance Index. In 2013, nearly a decade after voters last approved new operating funds, our index score was around 100 — strong by state standards. As budget reductions were made, that score dropped below 80 by 2020-21. Federal relief funds helped the district regain ground, leading to solid report card results. However, those results remain below pre-2013 levels and do not yet align with the expectations we have for Findlay students. It has been more than 20 years since voters last approved new operating dollars for Findlay City Schools. Nearly all of the district's local revenue is generated through property taxes. While property values have increased, state law (HB 920) prevents the district from collecting additional revenue beyond what voters approved in 2004. On May 6, voters in the Findlay City School District will consider a 1% earned income tax. If approved, it is expected to generate approximately $13 million annually and will rise and fall with local earned incomes. This tax does not impact those on fixed incomes, including Social Security recipients. Only residents of the Findlay City School District will vote on and pay this tax. Because of the levy failure in November 2024, the district must reduce its operating budget by nearly $6 million for the 2025-26 school year. The upcoming vote will determine how the district is funded moving forward. Our plucky community is at a crossroads. Findlay City Schools — the fifth-largest employer in the nation's top micropolitan — plays a role in the local economy, property values, and overall quality of life. I believe we can stabilize this budget properly with the 1% earned income tax and work to rebuild the school district through transparency, accountability, and partnership — with the best students, best families, and best community members anywhere to be found. Andy Hatton is superintendent of Findlay City Schools.