05/04/2026
"My name is Tony Shoulders. I’m an Ohio native, but Lorain is home. It’s where I’ve spent years in the classroom as a health and physical education teacher, on the field as a coach, and in the community working with young people through mentorship and programs like Men of Courage.
I’ve coached this game for over 30 years at the high school and collegiate level. I’ve been fortunate enough to be named Lorain County Co-Coach of the Year, and I had the honor of stepping in as interim head coach at Lorain High back in 2013 when the team needed stability.
That wasn’t part of the plan, but when your team needs you, you step up.
That’s the mindset I carry into everything I do.
I’m also a father, a grandfather, and someone who cares deeply about what kind of future we’re building for the next generation here in Lorain.
That’s why I’m speaking up now.
On May 5, our community has a decision to make, and it’s one that’s going to impact our kids well beyond a single Election Day.
I’m asking folks to take a serious look and vote FOR Issue 5 for Lorain City Schools.
Now I know trust is a big part of this conversation.
A recent resident survey made that clear. A lot of people are frustrated. There are concerns about financial management within the district, and many folks didn’t even realize how significant the recent cuts were going to be.
But that same survey also showed something that matters just as much: this community still believes in showing up for kids. People don’t want to lose after-school programs. They don’t want to see support systems like social workers and mental health specialists disappear.
That tells me everything I need to know about Lorain. We might not agree on everything, but we don’t quit on our young people.
So let’s talk straight.
Issue 5 is an 11-mill operating levy for current expenses. For a homeowner, that comes out to about $385 per $100,000 of market value.
And here’s the reality: if it doesn’t pass, the district has already outlined what comes next. We’re talking another round of major, painful cuts, including a significant number of positions, and potentially another $4 to $8 million in reductions on top of what’s already planned.
I’ve been around teams long enough to know this: when things aren’t going right, you don’t turn your back on the players. You don’t pull resources away and expect better results. You step in, you support them, and you fix what’s around them so they’ve got a real chance to succeed.
That’s how I see this moment.
We need to support OUR kids. We need to strengthen the system. And then we MUST stay involved and hold leadership accountable because the job doesn’t end when the vote is over.
That’s the standard I’ve always coached by, and it’s the standard I believe in for this community.
Please join me in voting FOR Issue 5 on May 5. Our children are worth it!
Sincerely,
Tony Shoulders
