Sycamore Community School District voters approved a 6.95-mill property tax levy on Nov. 3, with 10,742 votes in favor and 7,898 against, according to unofficial results from the Hamilton County Board of Elections.

The measure passed with 57.63% support and all 36 district precincts reporting, the Montgomery-Blue Ash Courier reported.

Votes

Percent

For the levy

10,742

57.63%

Against the levy

7,898

42.37%

Source: Hamilton County Board of Elections, unofficial cumulative results report, 11:27 p.m. Nov. 3, 2026. All 563 countywide precincts reporting. Results remain unofficial until canvass and certification.

The levy will generate nearly $18 million a year in new revenue for the district, which serves parts of Symmes Township, Blue Ash and other communities in Hamilton County.

It was one of only three school funding measures to pass out of 11 on ballots across Southwest Ohio, Fox 19 reported.

The approved measure splits into two parts: 5 mills for operating expenses and 1.95 mills for permanent improvements. Property owners will pay $243 for every $100,000 of appraised value, with collections starting in 2027, according to Fox 19.

The district said the levy is its first new operating levy since 2016.

"We are grateful to our community for its continued support of Sycamore Community Schools," Superintendent Chad Lewis said in a district announcement. "This investment in our schools reflects the value our residents place on public education and the opportunities we provide for our students."

Lewis said the district recognizes the financial commitment the levy represents for taxpayers. "We remain committed to providing an excellent education for our students, managing taxpayer dollars responsibly and maintaining the trust our community has placed in us," he said.

About 85% of Sycamore's total funding comes from local revenue, primarily property taxes, WVXU reported. The new levy will help the district avoid a negative cash balance by the 2029 fiscal year, according to the station.

The funding will help maintain educational programs, services and operations while addressing facility and infrastructure needs, the district said.