Lakota’s Master Facilities Plan: Financial Facts Behind the 2025 Ballot

For the first time since 2013, Lakota Local Schools will appear on the November 4 ballot. The 2013 levy, which was for operating and permanent improvement (PI) funds, was supposed to last five years. It has now lasted 12 years and is forecasted to last through 2028 - or at least 15 years.

Unlike the 2013 request, the upcoming ballot will include a bond issue and PI levy to fund the District’s Master Facilities Plan (MFP). The last time Lakota voters approved a bond issue was in 2005.

Lakota is able to refinance its debt—similar to how homeowners refinance mortgages—thanks to strong credit ratings from Moody’s Investor Service (Aa1) and Standard & Poor’s (AA+), which function like an individual’s credit score. As a result, the 2000 and 2005 bond issues, originally structured for 37-year terms, will be paid off early in 2028, after just 23 and 25 years, respectively.

The Master Facilities Plan includes a reduction in the number of school buildings from 21 to 16, which includes the construction of four new elementary schools. These changes will generate operational savings and efficiencies. The District’s goal is to redirect as many operational dollars as possible toward academics, supporting Lakota’s 17,000+ students. These savings will also help the District avoid a higher net-mill operating levy forecasted for November 2028.

From Ballot Language to Bottom Line

The ballot language differs from the actual net impact to taxpayers. This is because the ballot, along with the tax calculator on the Butler County Auditor's website, both calculate if Lakota would begin collections in calendar year 2026. This is not the case.

By delaying collection until calendar year 2029, the net impact to taxpayers will be less than the ballot and auditor's calculator show. Here's why: