THE CITY OF LORAIN

The City of Lorain is served by five different school districts. Recently, the City has received inquiries from residents regarding Issue 5, a levy concerning Lorain City Schools.

To help keep residents informed, the City is providing general information about Issue 5 and the Lorain City Schools District. While the City does not take a position on school levies, it aims to ensure residents have access to accurate and helpful information to better understand the issue and its potential impact.

Residents are encouraged to review official materials from Lorain City Schools and participate in the upcoming election.

"Lorain City Schools gave me more than an education. From kindergarten through 12th grade, our city schools gave me a foundation for life. As a proud graduate of the Class of 1967, I learned the value of hard work, resilience, and community. All of those classrooms, those teachers, and those friendships helped shape who I am today. I had the privilege of teaching in my city schools for 5 years and I am very proud of the students I had the opportunity to inspire and learn from. No matter where life has taken me, Lorain has always been home and it all began in our city schools."

Jack W. Bradley

Mayor

INFORMATION ON ISSUE 5

WHAT IS A TAX LEVY?:

A property tax levy is the collection of taxes charged on the value of property. Each district must follow a process described in Ohio law in order for taxes to be levied on property within the district. Boards of education propose additional local tax revenues by board resolution.

PROPOSED LEVY:

At the beginning of 2026, the Lorain City School District Board of Education approved placing an 11-mill levy on the spring ballot. If passed, it would provide the district with an estimated $10.7 million annually through 2030.

The proposed levy is intended to support the continuation of existing programs for students within the district.

WHAT IS THE IMPACT ON PROGRAMS & STAFF?:

If the levy passes, it will reduce cuts to the district’s programs and staff.
If the levy fails, the district will increase cuts to programs and staff.

WHAT IS THE IMPACT ON STUDENTS & FAMILIES ?:

If the levy passes, it will continue providing resources to students and families.
If the levy fails, fewer resources will be available to students and families.

INFORMATION ON LORAIN CITY SCHOOLS

OUR MISSION

For families, Lorain City Schools offer top-rated early education with acclaimed PreK and free, full-day kindergarten in all ten elementary schools. Our holistic learning approach includes robust arts, athletics, and STEM programs that nurture creativity and character, alongside pathways to success through an early college program, the Young Scholars initiative, and 14 career-tech programs for in-demand skills.

Employees will find a culture of innovation and continuous learning, with opportunities for professional growth and development in a supportive environment.

Community members and stakeholders can support our initiatives, helping to prepare students for academic and career success while contributing to a thriving, progressive community centered on educational excellence.

OUR STUDENTS

Serving over 6,200 students, the district offers 16 career-technical education programs. These programs help prepare graduates to be ready for careers, college, and military service. In 2025, the graduating class included 420 students.

Lorain City Schools offers a wide range of extracurricular activities, including athletics, fine arts, wraparound services, and special education opportunities.

OUR HISTORY

Lorain City Schools has served the community since 1875, when the first Lorain High School was established. The original high school began as a two-year program, graduating its first class of three students in 1879. By 1903, the district had grown to six school buildings serving 2,600 students, and by 1972, enrollment reached 17,508 students.

In 1995, the original Lorain High School (located on Washington Avenue and 6th Street) was closed and converted into Lorain Middle School. At that time, the district operated two high schools: Southview High School and Admiral King High School.

In the early 2000s, Lorain City Schools launched a districtwide revitalization effort funded by a bond issue approved by voters in 2001. This initiative led to the reconstruction of multiple elementary and middle schools, replacing aging facilities with modern buildings. Many of the new schools were built near the original sites and retained their historic names. In 2005, new school buildings opened for Washington, Larkmoor, Palm, and Garfield Elementary Schools, along with General Johnnie Wilson and Longfellow Middle Schools. Temporary classrooms and annexes were used during construction to minimize disruption for students.

The long-term plan included consolidating the district’s two high schools into a single, modern facility. In 2010, Admiral King High School and Southview High School were merged, and Lorain High School was reestablished as a unified high school for the district. The former Lorain Middle School building, which originally housed Lorain High School, was demolished that same year.

Construction of the new Lorain High School was completed in 2016, providing a centralized, updated learning environment for all high school students in the district.

Today, Lorain City Schools continues to serve the community by building on its long history of education and adaptation. The district reflects generations of growth and change, while remaining focused on providing learning opportunities for students and supporting the needs of the community.

Historical photographs are generously provided by the Lorain Historical Society.