Residents in North Summit are mobilizing to challenge the local school board's approval of a multimillion-dollar lease revenue bond by initiating a petition to have the bond placed on the ballot for the 2026 election. Under state law, constituents can contest a bond's issuance by submitting a petition with signatures from at least 20% of the active voter base to the Summit County Clerk's Office within 30 days of the bond's approval. If successful, the bond will be presented to voters, allowing North Summit residents the opportunity to vote on it for the third consecutive year. Community members are striving to collect 771 signatures by January 2. The petition's objective is to delay the issuance of the funds to explore alternative solutions regarding the school’s needs, including obtaining bids and further analysis from third-party companies. School Board President Vern Williams noted that the board is unable to comment on the petition but emphasized prior discussions about school safety and the costs associated with necessary repairs. He stated that significant investments have been made to maintain the current school, and that bringing it up to code may cost nearly as much as constructing a new building. Summit County Clerk Eve Furse indicated that if the petition meets the signature requirement, the bond measure will likely appear on the November 2026 ballot, although there is a possibility for a special election in June 2026. As of Sunday afternoon, 367 signatures had been collected, and organizers encourage interested individuals to reach out via email to participate in the petition. The North Summit High School, built in 1977, has not undergone major renovations since its construction. The district's previous attempts to secure funding through a general obligation bond were rejected by voters in 2024 and 2025. In response, the school board proposed the current lease revenue bond, which does not require public approval but carries a higher interest rate.