Lakota Local School District is posting weekly videos breaking down how the district spends its money, two months before a $223 million bond issue goes to voters in November.

The series, called "Treasurer Tuesdays," features Interim Treasurer Randy Bertram walking through school finance topics in short segments posted to the district's Facebook page and YouTube channel. The district announced the series on its website Sept. 3.

Planned topics include where Lakota's revenue comes from, how the district tracks spending, how Ohio's school funding formula works and why the district is reviewing long-term building needs. The district said the goal is to help residents understand the financial decisions ahead.

The series is already underway. Episode 2, titled "Funding Sources," explains how the balance between state aid and local property taxes has shifted over the past decade and how "effective millage" protects homeowners when property values rise. That episode had drawn about 15,000 views on Facebook as of Sept. 3.

The videos arrive as Lakota prepares for a high-stakes ballot question. The board unanimously approved placing a 2.2-mill replacement bond on the November ballot at its June 9 meeting. The measure would fund phase one of the district's Master Facilities Plan, estimated at $300 million total. The Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) is contributing $77 million, bringing the local share to $223 million.

Because the new bond replaces an existing levy being paid off, collections would not begin until 2029. The district says property taxes would not increase as a result.

Voters rejected a larger Lakota bond proposal in November 2025. The revised plan cuts the local share roughly in half, down from approximately $506 million, according to WCPO.

Superintendent Ashley Whitely explained the financing in a July 31 interview with WCPO: "We've actually timed the millage to roll off with the existing bonds in 2028. So that is a no-tax-increase levy for our community."

Whitely also said in that interview that the district would try new outreach formats, including social media and direct question-and-answer sessions, ahead of the vote. "Treasurer Tuesdays" appears to be one result of that pledge.

The district serves about 17,000 students across West Chester Township and Liberty Township.

New episodes post weekly on Lakota's Facebook and YouTube pages.