Myths & Facts
Myth
State funding will make up for any shortfalls if a renewal levy is defeated.
Fact
No. State funding will not make up for the loss if this renewal levy is defeated. The state has not fully funded the Fair School Funding formula and has left key parts frozen at older levels, so local levies are still essential.
Myth
Our district is not inline with other school districts.
Fact
According to the Ohio Department of Education & Workforce 2025 District Profile, Boardman continues to lead despite state funding gaps. Because the state has failed to fully fund the Fair School Funding formula and has left key components at stagnant FY22 levels, maintaining our excellence depends on local support.
The $4.64 fixed-sum 5-year levy is not a new tax; it is vital for sustaining the traditions started when it first passed in 2012. This renewal ensures we keep our district strong for the next generation.
By clicking the ‘Read More’ button, you can view the full district profile for additional details.
Myth
The Boardman School District gave away money they already had by granting the Southern Park Mall a 15-year tax abatement.
Fact
The Community Reinvestment Area (CRA) focused solely on redeveloping only the southern portion of the mall, specifically DeBartolo Commons. This 15-year agreement secured vital advantages for both the community and the district.
Community Benefits: Public green space, bike paths, and improved stormwater infrastructure. These additions directly created a more attractive and functional space.
School District Benefits: Boardman student-athletes were guaranteed priority for turf use over any outside sports organizations or other school districts. This exclusive access significantly alleviated scheduling conflicts, ensuring our students can train and compete during optimal hours without travel. By securing these high-quality facilities at no additional cost to taxpayers, the district gained an athletic advantage that supported student health, and preserved district resources.
Myth
Boardman should be an open-enrollment school district.
Fact
Due to the changes in HB's (House Bills), it will now cost the district an additional $7,130 for each open-enrolled student.
Myth
Boardman Schools has too many staff members.
Fact
Boardman Schools' average student-to-teacher ratio in the classroom is lean, efficient and focused on student success.
Myth
Boardman Schools has too many Administrators.
Fact
Myth
The State Report Card tells the Whole Story.
Fact
The State Report Card is a complex 'lagging indicator.' Boardman holds 5 Stars in both Graduation rate (97.3%) and Gap Closing.
Boardman High School was ranked in the Top 100 in Ohio (out of 900+) by U.S. News & World Report in 2025, placing it in the top 11% of the state.
Myth
Boardman schools spend too much money on their students.
Fact
2025 Spending Averages per pupil:
State of Ohio: $17,263.37
Mahoning County: $16,343.53
Boardman Schools: $15,563.30
Boardman schools provide an exceptional value for taxpayers. As the spending averages demonstrate, Boardman spends less per student than the state and county averages, yet consistently produces higher levels of student achievement.
Additional Support & Information
Boardman Local Schools District - District Profile