Ohio House Bill 96 proposes significant education funding and assessment changes

The Buckeye Valley Local Schools Board of Education convened on March 19, 2025, to discuss several pressing issues affecting the district, particularly in light of proposed changes in state legislation. The meeting highlighted concerns regarding House Bill 96, which is currently under consideration in the Ohio House.

One of the primary topics was the proposed 5% reduction in the district's funding guarantee for fiscal year 2026, escalating to a 10% reduction in 2027. These cuts are not tied to enrollment changes, raising concerns about the financial stability of the district. The board expressed a strong desire for the removal of these proposed reductions.

Additionally, the bill includes significant changes to academic assessments. It would eliminate the district's ability to choose its own diagnostic assessments, mandating state-approved tests instead. The board argued that local assessments should still be considered for student evaluations, particularly in early literacy promotion through fourth grade.

The discussion also touched on the criteria for measuring student success in relation to college and career readiness. Currently, acceptance into college does not count towards fulfilling workforce requirements, and the board requested that this be amended to recognize college enrollment as a valid completion measure.

Transportation issues were also addressed, with a call for the formation of a pupil transportation work group by the Ohio Department of Education. This group would aim to streamline and improve transportation services across the district.

Concerns were raised regarding the classification of school facilities under House Bill 96. The proposed legislation would label buildings with less than 60% enrollment as "unused," potentially allowing the state to reclaim these facilities. The board requested the removal of this provision due to its implications for schools with fluctuating enrollment.

Lastly, the board discussed the growing demand for career and technical education (CTE) facilities, noting that many programs currently have waitlists. They proposed the establishment of a study committee to explore investment opportunities to expand CTE offerings.

The meeting concluded with a presentation by Howard Fleeter on property tax and utility changes and their impact on school funding, particularly focusing on the 20 Mil Floor. The board acknowledged the complexity of these financial topics and the need for further understanding to effectively advocate for the district's needs.

Overall, the meeting underscored the board's commitment to addressing legislative challenges and ensuring that Buckeye Valley Local Schools can continue to provide quality education and resources for its students.