DAYTON AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OPPOSES NEW DAYTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS LEVY

DAYTON, Ohio – October 14, 2026 – The Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce opposes the additional new Dayton Public School $14.7 million property tax levy on the November 3, 2026 ballot and encourages the Dayton Public School board to work with the business community to collectively address the district’s financial, safety, and workforce issues.

The business community has serious concerns about Dayton Public School’s lack of partnership, engagement, and student performance. As one of the largest public school districts in the Dayton region, it is a significant contributor to the future workforce of our region’s economy. Our students and families deserve higher accountability and results from one of the largest public school districts. 

Dayton property owners are already paying upwards of 6.2% in property taxes and assessments. The business community has been very clear that property taxes are too high and continued property tax increases will discourage economic growth and investments in the city of Dayton.

Dayton Public Schools,

• Is rated a 2 out of 5 stars by the state of Ohio, has a 43.8% chronic absenteeism rate and a 66.7% four-year graduation rate. Comparatively, Cincinnati Public Schools has an 80.6% four-year graduation rate and Columbus Public Schools has an 81.5% four-year graduation rate.
• Has not adequately addressed downtown safety issues regarding students and rejected repeated attempts to address student bussing.
• Has not met with the business community to receive input and discuss the need for an additional NEW levy.
• Has not proven to the community that it has taken the appropriate internal cost-reduction measures, been appropriate stewards of taxpayer resources, and proven the need for a new levy.

A new, 7 mill, $14.7 million levy would be an additional tax increase on property owners that will be passed on to tenants and individuals renting homes and commercial space in the city of Dayton.

“Dayton Public Schools has not been a partner and now they want to tax the people and businesses in Dayton more money. Our students deserve better, and our tax paying businesses and families deserve accountability.  Throwing more money at a problem, doesn’t fix the problem,” stated Chris Kershner, President & CEO Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce.

Reference: The Time is Now for Dayton Public Schools to Partner | July 2025: https://www.daytondailynews.com/local/voice-of-business-the-time-is-now-for-dayton-public-schools-to-partner/article_6ee65fad-d134-5c34-8b98-4a93e0aaee5e.html

Reference: Fourth and Jefferson Meeting Request Letter to Dayton Public Schools | August 2023:
https://daytonchamber.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/fourth-and-jefferson-signed-letter.pdf

About Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce

The Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce brings together more than 2,200 businesses and organizations in a 14-county area surrounding Dayton, Ohio. The chamber strives to improve the region’s business climate and overall standard of living through public policy advocacy, economic development initiatives and providing networking and training opportunities for its members. Nationally awarded with “5-Star Accreditation” from the United States Chamber of Commerce.

Information about the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce is available at daytonchamber.org or 937-226-1444.