Ohio school tax measures get mixed voter response

CLEVELAND (AP) — Financially hard-hit school districts in Ohio received a mixed response from voters wary of higher taxes amid an uncertain economy, and now some education leaders must look to more budget cuts.

In voting Tuesday, 86 of 146 school tax measures were approved in Ohio, or 59 percent, according to a tally by the Ohio School Boards Association.

The association said tax renewals fared best — 51 of 55 were approved in Ohio.

It was the first big test of voter sentiment as Ohio considers Gov. John Kasich’s proposed $6.4 billion in education aid the first year and $6.5 billion the second, up 2 percent, then 1 percent.