Cincinnati Public Schools Faces Deepening Funding Crisis: How Did We Get Here?

Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS) is confronting a severe financial challenge this year, as a budget shortfall estimated at $90 million has emerged following the expiration of federal COVID-19 relief funds. To bridge the gap, the district board has proposed a $48 million renewal levy, known as Issue 28, set to appear on the November 4 ballot [1].

Federal Support Ends; Local Burden Grows

The hard reality for CPS lies in the once substantial federal COVID-19 funding that bolstered district finances during the pandemic. With this support now concluded, CPS is scrambling to cover operational costs amid ongoing declines in enrollment and shifts in state funding. The levy renewal aims to recapture essential revenue, but as of mid-July 2026, the School Board had postponed a vote on the levy, a decision that must be finalized by early August to secure a place on the November ballot [3].

The levy’s approval is critical because the district previously approved over 200 cuts to tackle a projected $50 million deficit [2]. These reductions include the elimination of 109 teaching positions, 12 social workers, and a dozen preschool classes, directly impacting student services and classroom sizes.

Job Cuts and Program Cuts Deepen Worries

The scale and scope of job losses extend beyond teachers and social workers. CPS has also announced layoffs affecting over 80 central office employees, eight counselors, and 10 assistant principals, reflecting widespread across-the-board belt-tightening measures [4]. More cuts are anticipated as the district grapples with declining enrollment numbers, which reduce state funding allocations. The ripple effects of these cuts could reshape school environments as CPS prepares for the 2026-27 school year.

Amid these challenges, CPS is launching new on-the-spot enrollment options-a policy designed to increase enrollment flexibility-and implementing a strategic plan to serve over 35,000 students despite financial headwinds [5]. These measures display some response to current realities but emphasize the ongoing tension between funding and educational service delivery.

CPS’s financial woes underscore the fragility of school funding models reliant on temporary federal assistance. The district’s current approach involves both seeking renewed community tax support and deep operational cuts, with the outcomes of these decisions holding significant implications for educational quality and resources available to Cincinnati’s families.

With the levy vote deadline approaching and additional budget adjustments expected, stakeholders across the city are watching closely. For now, the district advises families and staff to stay informed about enrollment changes and remain engaged with the levy campaign in hopes of preventing deeper cuts.