LOCAL SCHOOLS
Finances
Treasurer Tuesdays
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: 12 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 12 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.
Lakota's Revenue Sources
Ohio public schools are funded through a combination of local, state and federal dollars that support instruction, transportation, student services and school buildings. While all three sources play a role, local communities across Ohio now provide the largest share of funding. Local funding makes up more than two-thirds of Lakota's revenue.
Lakota's Revenue Sources for Fiscal Year 2026:
- Local: 75%
- State: 21%
- Federal: 4%
Major Spending Categories for All Funds
The majority of Lakota's budget, 81% in Fiscal Year 2026, is used to support students. The other 19% is spent on facilities and operations.
Expenses by Areas
Examples of expenses by area include:
- 81 % Students
- Instruction, special education, technology and transportation
- 10% Facilities
- Safety and maintenance
- 9% Operations
- Essential services, systems and administrative supports
Lakota Earns Top Ratings
Similar to major organizations and homeowners, school districts receive financial ratings that reflect their overall financial health. Higher ratings lead to lower interest rates.
Lakota consistently earns top ratings from Moody's Investors Service (Aa1) and Standard and Poor's (AA+), just one level below the highest ratings. These strong ratings have allowed the District to refinance debt at lower interest rates, saving taxpayer dollars over time.
Different Types of Levies
Each type of tax levy is legally restricted to specific uses. In other words, dollars cannot be shifted from one bucket to another.
- Bond Issue: Like a mortgage, bonds pay for building projects and major construction.
- Operating Levy: Like a checking account, operating dollars pay for daily costs like salaries, supplies, transportation and activities.
- Permanent Improvement (PI) Levy: Like a savings account, PI dollars pay for long-term needs with a lifespan of at least five years, like technology, curriculum and building upkeep.
Finance News
![A horizontal bar chart detailing a bond roll-off schedule from 2026 to 2029 is set against a light gray background with a multicolored banner at the top.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1790359695/lakotaonlinecom/evdo99l9w9dpviys2j28/BondRoll-Off.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1790359695/lakotaonlinecom/evdo99l9w9dpviys2j28/BondRoll-Off.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1790359695/lakotaonlinecom/evdo99l9w9dpviys2j28/BondRoll-Off.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1790359695/lakotaonlinecom/evdo99l9w9dpviys2j28/BondRoll-Off.jpg","width":1080}])
By delaying new bond tax collections until 2029, Lakota can ask voters to consider a bond issue in November that is not anticipated to raise the bond tax rate. This is possible because of the timing of current debt roll-off.
![School Finance What's the Difference? Graphics showing a house, a bank check and a piggy bank next to a container with money]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1753470503/lakotaonlinecom/yclycyqqlwfocdnnwcti/LevyDifferences.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1753470503/lakotaonlinecom/yclycyqqlwfocdnnwcti/LevyDifferences.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1753470503/lakotaonlinecom/yclycyqqlwfocdnnwcti/LevyDifferences.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1753470503/lakotaonlinecom/yclycyqqlwfocdnnwcti/LevyDifferences.jpg","width":1080}])
Do you know the difference between levies and bond issues? Similar to how homeowners may have different accounts for their expenses, school districts do, too.
Voting Information
Election Day is Nov. 3
The deadline for voter registration for the Nov. 3 election is Oct. 5, 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 voting by mail begins:
- Sept. 18: Military and Oversees absentee voting
- Oct. 6: Absentee voting by mail
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
absentee ballot application
Early Voting
Early in-person voting begins Oct. 6 and is only available at:
Butler County Board of Elections
1802 Princeton Road, Suite 600
Hamilton, OH 45011
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