The Delaware Area Career Center (DACC) Board of Education has approved placing a 10‑year levy renewal with a reduction on the November 2026 ballot.
The levy was originally approved by voters in 2001 and was renewed by voters in 2005 and 2015. November 2026 is the last opportunity to renew this levy. The ballot issue would renew the existing levy while reducing it from 1.7 mills to 0.75 mills, a reduction of 0.95 mills. The county auditor estimates the levy would cost $18 annually for each $100,000 of home value. The proposed reduction reflects the district’s current financial position and long-term planning.
“This recommendation reflects DACC’s commitment to being fiscally responsible with taxpayer dollars,” said Jay Poroda, Superintendent. “Over the past decade, DACC has grown significantly while carefully managing resources. This proposal allows us to continue supporting students and programs while reducing the amount collected from taxpayers.”
According to Treasurer Christopher Bell, pursuing a renewal preserves the existing 12.5% property tax rollback under current Ohio law for all owner-occupied homes, which will increase to 15.38% over the next few years.
Bell noted that new levies do not qualify for this rollback under current law.
The levy supports both daily operations and long-term needs, including instructional programs, staffing, equipment, and facility maintenance. It is separate from the district’s planned facility expansion projects, which are funded through existing financial planning and resources.
DACC serves students across Delaware County and beyond through on-campus programs, satellite programs, and adult education. Over the past decade, on-campus enrollment has grown by 94%, increasing from 725 students in 2015–16 to more than 1,400 students in 2025–26. As interest in career-technical education has increased, demand for DACC programs has also grown, with several hundred students in recent years unable to enroll due to capacity limitations.
DACC is funded primarily through voter-approved local property taxes, which provide stable funding for long-term planning. State and federal funding can fluctuate year to year and cannot replace local operating revenue.
Additional factual information is available at https://www.delawareareacc.org/page/financials. As a public institution, DACC does not advocate for or against ballot issues or questions.
Residents seeking election information should contact their county board of elections.