LOCAL SCHOOLS
Finances
WE are Fiscally Responsible
As we continue to expand our learning opportunities to prepare our students to successfully meet the demands of life after graduation, we are committed to aligning our resources to Lakota's educational priorities while ensuring financial stability.
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WE will continue to be good stewards of our residents' tax dollars by operating a strategically aligned and efficient budget because fiscal responsibility is a top priority for the district;
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WE will continue to monitor spending and re-prioritize dollars to enhance personalized student learning;
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WE will continue to put the majority of our resources toward instruction, pupil support and instructional support; and
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WE will continue to provide financial transparency to our community through annual publications like the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and the Financial Prospectus.
Auditor of State Award: 10 Consecutive Years
Fewer than 5% of all government entities that are audited annually in Ohio earn the Auditor of State Award with Distinction – and Lakota has received the honor ten years in a row.
The criteria to receive the award includes:
- Complete an Annual Comprehensive Financial Report within six months of fiscal year end;
- Have a “clean audit” with no findings for recovery, material citations, material weaknesses, significant deficiencies, single audit findings or questioned costs; and
- Have no other financial concerns.
Lakota's audit is available on the Auditor of State's website.
Refinancing Saves Taxpayer Dollars; Increases Bond Ratings
Strong financial decisions made by the district during the last few years, including saving more than $6 million in interest expense due to recent refinancing of debt, have earned Lakota Local Schools one of the highest possible bond ratings of Aa1 by Moody’s Investors Service and AA+ by Standard & Poor’s (S&P).
Lakota's Last Levy: 2013
The priorities for the November 2013 levy were shaped by the community's collective vision for the future of education. The identified areas aim to maximize the community's long-term investment in our schools by stretching the dollars to positively impact as many students as possible.
Budget Stabilization Policy
While Lakota’s budget stabilization policy sets a minimum ninety day cash balance, the forecast predicts the amount will exceed seven months at the end of Fiscal Year 2022, more than double the minimum set in policy.
12 Years of Balanced Budgets
The close of Fiscal Year 2024 marks 12 consecutive years that Lakota has had a balanced budget. This span of more than a decade of balanced budgets has enabled Lakota to build up very strong cash reserves.
These are just two examples of the district living up to the WE are Fiscally Responsible pillar of its strategic plan.
Finance News
![Colorful plastic gears of various sizes and colors are held up by multiple hands, creating a collaborative and interactive display.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1776434121/lakotaonlinecom/wqk21vep6lysqg8cslrx/CommunityPartnership.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1776434121/lakotaonlinecom/wqk21vep6lysqg8cslrx/CommunityPartnership.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1776434121/lakotaonlinecom/wqk21vep6lysqg8cslrx/CommunityPartnership.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1776434121/lakotaonlinecom/wqk21vep6lysqg8cslrx/CommunityPartnership.jpg","width":1080}])
From hands-on career experiences to shared facilities that serve families, local leaders are exploring new ways to support students and strengthen the community. See what’s being discussed and how these partnerships could shape future opportunities.
![Community Partnership Forum. Bent arrows are pointing to "community" and "forum" Logos from Butler County, Butler Tech, Lakota Local Schools, Liberty and West Chester townships and the Chamber alliance are included on the graphic]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1765569434/lakotaonlinecom/bjbdom7blclaipqx8ryp/PartnershipForum.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1765569434/lakotaonlinecom/bjbdom7blclaipqx8ryp/PartnershipForum.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1765569434/lakotaonlinecom/bjbdom7blclaipqx8ryp/PartnershipForum.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1765569434/lakotaonlinecom/bjbdom7blclaipqx8ryp/PartnershipForum.jpg","width":1080}])
Lakota Local Schools hosted the first Community Partnership Forum, bringing together representatives from the school district, Liberty and West Chester townships, Butler County, Butler Tech and the West Chester Liberty Chamber Alliance. The goal of the meeting was to explore new ways to work together, address shared challenges and strengthen the services each entity provides.
Voting Information
Election Day is May 5
The deadline for voter registration for the May 5 Election is April 6, 2026.
Online Registration
You must provide your Ohio driver’s license OR Ohio state identification card number (contains two letters and six digits), and the last four digits of your Social Security number.
Absentee Ballot Information
absentee ballot application
Voted ballots may be returned by:
- Mail – Sent to the address below (allow 2-5 days for USPS delivery).
- In Person – Delivered to the Board of Elections office.
- Drop Box – Placed in the 24-hour secure drop box outside the Board of Elections.
Butler County Board of Elections
1802 Princeton Road, Suite 600
Hamilton, OH 45011
Early Voting
Early voting is only available at:
Butler County Board of Elections
1802 Princeton Road, Suite 600
Hamilton, OH 45011
May 5, 2026 Primary Election
Early Voting Schedule
April 7 - 10: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
April 13 - 17: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
April 20 - 24: 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
April 27 - May 3: 7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
April 28: 7:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.
April 29 - May 1: 7:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.
May 2: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
May 3: 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
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