When Cincinnati voters go to the polls in November, they will be asked to decide on a new, permanent funding source for local schools. The Cincinnati Board of Education is seeking a property tax levy, which is Issue 32 on the ballot. The measure is a permanent improvement levy for 7.95 mills. If approved, it would provide the school district with about $49.5 million annually.  

During a Jan. 10 meeting, more than 50 parents and other supporters presented their arguments against closing the William H. Taft STEM Elementary School in Mount Auburn, which prompted the board to direct that the final decision to close the school be put on hold pending further study. At its Jan. 24 meeting, the Board of Education reversed course and decided to keep Taft open, based on the backlash.