This thesis is an empirical examination of the factors that impact support for school levies in Ohio. This research supports revenue allocation decision-making during levy campaigns to create an environment where passage is most likely. Intricacies of political campaign marketing, problem definition, the conventional wisdom of levy campaigns, the legal and political contexts of school funding in Ohio and specific information on which campaign elements are most likely to influence a district's levy passage rate are all examined.
Data regarding school districts that were on the ballot in 2010 for new or replacement levies was collected from the Ohio Department of Education and the Ohio School Boards Association. In addition, an online survey was sent to all 185 of these districts to obtain specific information about their 2010 campaigns. The response rate was 27 percent.
Using linear regression, the researcher analyzed the data to determine which factors had a statistically significant impact on levy support. Factors found to predict increased levy support for Ohio school districts included: lower ratio of administrators to pupils in the district, the ballot language board-approved more time before Election Day, the campaign utilized yard signs, the district salaries made up a higher proportion of operating expenditures and the use of a "Fiscal Responsibility" primary campaign message rather than a "For the Kids" message. Higher financial support from the state was associated with decreased levy support in Ohio school districts.