What Is a Permanent Improvement Levy?

Permanent Improvement funds are different from the funds Oakwood Schools use for day-to-day operations.
By state law, Permanent Improvement funds must be used for projects and purchases with an expected useful life of at least five years.
These funds help Oakwood Schools maintain and improve the places where students learn and provide the equipment and technology they need.

What can Permanent Improvement funds be used for?

Facility Improvements – Roofs, structural repairs, building systems and preservation of district facilities.
Safety and Security – Building access systems, security cameras and other physical safety improvements.
Technology – Student devices, network infrastructure, hardware replacement and classroom technology.
Transportation and Equipment – District vehicles, classroom furniture and other long-term equipment.

Permanent Improvement funds cannot be used for:

✘ Teacher or staff salaries
✘ Employee benefits
✘ Utility bills
✘ Pencils or crayons
✘ Other day-to-day operating expenses

Didn’t We Just Vote on a Levy?

Oakwood voters have considered several different types of school levies over the years. Each serves a different purpose.

The 2026 ballot measure is a Permanent Improvement Levy renewal. It does not increase the current tax rate.

Operating levies fund day-to-day expenses such as personnel, utilities, programming and supplies.

Permanent Improvement levies provide funding for long-term improvements and purchases with an expected useful life of five years or more, such as facility repairs, technology, safety improvements, vehicles and equipment.

Bond issues provide funding for major construction, renovations or land acquisition and are repaid over a specified period of time.