[{"_1":2,"_100":-5,"_101":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76,88],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6562650,"mediaKeyId","3253227-f96178571cbced8e42ff4b35be7572d0","parentId",3253227,"title","Olentangy treasurer warns state proposal to sweep reserves could force annual levies","audioSeconds",3709,"startMs",3263000,"endMs",6972000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3253227-f96178571cbced8e42ff4b35be7572d0&start=3263&end=6972","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3253227-f96178571cbced8e42ff4b35be7572d0/thumbnail_3263000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6562650/Ohio/Olentangy-treasurer-warns-state-proposal-to-sweep-reserves-could-force-annual-levies","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6562650-f10b6f7c7a95585ea01bd158eb5c0096/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159400&Signature=hRkSyG79kGKI5D~AroFJYuCQiSX3VviZTYRz0Q7awE8yoJrGEB6vfqM77cdxDWwRasz72Q9vRzdRrwf5ZyZDA5SxzBC-XjKkYgWT0sehF0yuqXY3pPXuvFTtFzKNrTnuD2IKQ11eOusld2aUAuclVb9Tif~cOQfF0Gro8danUT61m9oSJa-8jUGFO24NkxUbBMu82cWS-ip7zVMVGHIHT8yoanzzInu8USxJm0~q8s1Cx~bEEduIOFYhUqOf-ktwsWiMQC27x4OeMbFU6qcU8xjqhYD1BjAL2l1Jj15FwIJ263DiXUfsY4K30hY1avLIzN3ti~AId7cp-cgBzPcOmQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Olentangy Local","date","2025-05-09T18:17:26Z","article","Mister Jenkins, the district treasurer, told the Olentangy Local School District Board of Education on May 8 that the district's five-year forecast shows steady enrollment-driven expense growth and that a recently proposed state law could sharply reduce the district's cash reserves.

Jenkins presented highlights from the biannual five-year forecast, stressing that local property taxes remain the district's principal revenue source and that personnel costs (salaries and benefits) make up roughly 80% to 85% of expenses. \"We have a plan for every dollar,\" Jenkins said, and then turned to a provision in the amended House bill that he and the board described as a clawback.

The proposal Jenkins discussed would add a section to the Ohio Revised Code (cited in the meeting as Ohio revised code 5705.316) that directs county auditors to reduce property tax rates when a public school district's general-fund carryover exceeds a percentage threshold. Jenkins summarized how it would work: \"So dollar for dollar, what you're above that 30% threshold will be reduced in a subsequent tax bill,\" leaving the district with less cash in the next settlement cycle.

Why it matters: Jenkins said Olentangy currently carries roughly 53% to 54% in general-fund reserves (about six months of operating cash). Under the draft language discussed in the meeting the board could lose roughly $83 million in reserves above a 30% threshold, and the change could take effect as soon as the 2025 pay-2026 tax year. Jenkins warned that the result could be a much shorter levy cycle and more frequent ballot measures: \"In the same cycle where some of these folks would get their tax bills reduced
we would be strongly considering an operating levy in November of 25 or March or May of 20 26,\" he said.

Jenkins contrasted the governor's \"as introduced\" budget and the amended House bill. He said the House's proposed transitional funding approach would likely put more money into Olentangy's coffers than the governor's version (he estimated $18.7 million more under the House approach), but that the clawback provision is distinct and would still threaten local reserves.

Board members asked procedural and policy questions during the discussion. Doctor Dabrico asked whether the state would reduce mandates or administrative requirements to offset costs; Jenkins replied that while the state had provided some targeted subsidies (for example, for high-quality instructional materials and science-of-reading initiatives), it had not generally reduced administrative burdens.

What the district says it would do: Jenkins and other board members said the district will continue local advocacy. The superintendent and Jenkins planned to testify before the Ohio Senate Education Committee, and the district posted a \"call to action\" on its website asking residents to contact legislators. \"We will be down to testify with the Senate Education Committee next week,\" Jenkins told the board.

Ending: Jenkins and board members framed the debate as one of local control and transparency. Jenkins warned that if the clawback becomes law, Olentangy would not look like the same district: \"We will not, in my opinion, have the same Olentangy schools,\" he said, because the district's multi-year staffing and facilities plans assume the ability to carry reserves across settlement cycles.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Olentangy Schools, Board of Education 5.8.25","oneSentenceSummary","Mister Jenkins, the district treasurer, told the Olentangy Local School District Board of Education on May 8 that the district's five-year forecast shows steady enrollment-driven expense growth and that a recently proposed state law could sharply reduce the district's cash reserves.","taxTitle","Olentangy Local, School Districts, Ohio","taxId",14476,"location","Ohio","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6562641,"Votes at a glance: Olentangy board approves rehire notice, consent agenda including $154,376 Shanahan restroom contract",261,7448000,7709000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3253227-f96178571cbced8e42ff4b35be7572d0&start=7448&end=7709","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3253227-f96178571cbced8e42ff4b35be7572d0/thumbnail_7448000.jpg","/articles/6562641/Ohio/Votes-at-a-glance-Olentangy-board-approves-rehire-notice-consent-agenda-including-154376-Shanahan-restroom-contract","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6562641-89636a842ad3b8ddad5a6cdf2e5ece56/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159400&Signature=QZcyH0c4JlMGeZcnXPn9q31HInsJUfihKLe5g7r1vCbHmKO9tjOwexMkro1vS2E9CsrFhCmleeAeCngFwxKso1OpZM2U-E0HIPPetXl2K6HdNb715duRlAhH-a6vYqembSM3e3HLBSkEp08EUmbgTcd5lsohWp7TJoE8A-RrW7gMhcgfYJtfjbPnnSkKdz3cyyofQNzT-AyUMlQRH1qrd6Og2g1We5xayEMb8Qi3Nfz1MmsHegcLPEJ8fy4ssO3xgPxqeUrZ7cnoYdggp1LRilioWyP1XK-UcM3AN2WbhhEOQRkOfCcxPaCS6gQz~ZGiPoGKGmzMyCs0r7NfSZmjzw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Olentangy Local School District Board of Education took several formal actions at its May 8 meeting. All recorded roll-call votes were unanimous in favor.

Key outcomes

- Notice of intent to consider reemployment of the superintendent: The board voted to direct the treasurer to publish public notice and hold a public meeting regarding Superintendent Todd Meyer's proposed post-retirement reemployment. The motion authorized notice in the Delaware Gazette and notification to persons who requested meeting notices, with a public hearing scheduled for June 12 in the Berlin Room.

- Consent agenda (single slate): The board approved a slate of superintendent consent items including human-resources actions (administrative, certified, classified and substitutes), approval of students for early graduation, a middle-school strings fee correction, continued membership in the Ohio High School Athletic Association for 2025-26, and business/management & facilities items.

- Facilities contract: Among the business and facilities items the board approved a contract with McHugh Construction in the amount of $154,376 for partial restroom renovations at Shanahan Middle School. The superintendent and facilities staff explained the work is a phased renovation (two restrooms out of service this summer) to accommodate summer programs while additional restrooms are done in subsequent summers.

Vote details (selected)

1) Motion: \"Authorize the treasurer to provide public notice of intent to retire pending rehire of the superintendent\". Motion and second were made (not identified in the transcript). Roll call: Doctor Wallach
Yes; Mister O'Brien Yes; Miss Schreiber Yes; Mister Lester Yes; Doctor Dabrico Yes. Outcome: approved.

2) Motion: \"Approve treasurer consent action item (minutes from April 25)\". Roll call: unanimous yes. Outcome: approved.

3) Motion: \"Approve superintendent consent action items (human resources, early graduation, facility contracts including McHugh Construction)\". Roll call: unanimous yes. Outcome: approved.

Notes: The contract award for Shanahan restroom renovations was preceded in the meeting by facilities updates and an earlier flooring contract (referenced as previously approved for approximately $141,000). Board members said the Shanahan project is part of phased capital maintenance; they emphasized the district must balance renovations with priorities for seats and new facilities as enrollment grows.

Ending: Board members closed the meeting with an adjournment vote; meeting minutes and future meeting dates (next board meeting May 21, 6:30 p.m.) were announced.","At the May 8 meeting the Olentangy Local School District Board unanimously approved a slate of consent items including a public-notice motion to consider reemployment of Superintendent Todd Meyer, approval of minutes, and a business/facilities contract for Shanahan Middle School restroom renovations with McHugh Construction for $154,376.",{"_33":89,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":90,"_41":91,"_43":92,"_45":93,"_47":94,"_49":95,"_51":96,"_53":97,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":98,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":99,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6562645,"Students present Ikigai career project; board highlights staff during Teacher Appreciation Week",741,997000,1738000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3253227-f96178571cbced8e42ff4b35be7572d0&start=997&end=1738","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3253227-f96178571cbced8e42ff4b35be7572d0/thumbnail_997000.jpg","/articles/6562645/Ohio/Students-present-Ikigai-career-project-board-highlights-staff-during-Teacher-Appreciation-Week","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6562645-73b6c45663824cf1ee050289a5db55a1/orig.mp4?Expires=1771159401&Signature=KCR6OuQLLZFynGj50K9UGIKAdsNzHQ7SPGdYTaHFZaF~Sj3akx4VOhPBisp1yX6mtMYjzU4GQNVaYgoLgPggTtlOcAKxMux7YoXIBaKHzOGde2I6AHnpUrlEhFOLAPlzu~Yo3ttxoyD2Hlvxfu0KX18t2cef98bnY5rwdrwl0HXo4HB08YlRSFmmvSk5n-9xaJdObQVx68fzo4QPvL4U4GcmC7FXLQuRKnSKCmxJE3jmgkkvf7ZmFvU5gPaQlCHTgMvkLjjPN4JFVylt7Y5Z798Ot0Ei664aFOdg-D57dIxbtnl2S~eg1rLCQ69hQLyOhqdYAeB70a716DejYZp~RA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Students and staff from Olentangy Berlin Middle School presented work from the district's Ikigai career-exploration project at the Olentangy Local School District board meeting on May 8. The presentation featured teachers and several middle-school students describing how the project helped them connect interests to possible careers.

\"Ikigai's components are really that it is a compound word,\" said Megan Walker, one of the gifted coordinators who led the presentation. Students described how the exercise helped them think about course selection and future paths. Seventh-grader Anbu said the project broadened his view of the medical field beyond becoming a doctor. \"The clinical researcher came, it showed me that there's more than just a doctor in the medical field,\" Anbu said.

Praising staff during Teacher Appreciation Week: Board member Miss Schreiber read a multi-page letter from a parent who described her daughter's progress at Oak Creek Elementary. The letter, read aloud by Schreiber, traced the student's journey from early childhood placements and a summer 2020 private evaluation to a diagnosis of dyslexia and ADHD and then to steady growth through coordinated classroom instruction and interventions. Schreiber read the parent's description of teachers and intervention specialists by name and credited the school team for raising the student's national percentile reading score from 3 to the low 80s.

Board recognition and retirements: The board also recognized longtime food-service employee Mary Ellen Buckingham, who is retiring after 21 years at Shanahan Middle School. The superintendent read remarks noting Buckingham's long ties to the district and presented a lifetime pass to attend Olentangy events.

Partnerships and next steps: Presenters said the Ikigai work will continue and expand partnerships next year with the Columbus Museum of Art, JPMorgan Chase and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Detail on implementation: the project included a maker-space activity (students created stickers), a thinking routine (CSI), and a guest visit from Ohio State University clinical research staff to introduce research-related careers.

Ending: Board members repeatedly emphasized that Teacher and Staff Appreciation Week was an opportunity to spotlight the many roles that support student learning, from classroom teachers to bus drivers and mental-health specialists.","Olentangy Berlin Middle School students and staff presented an \"Ikigai\" career-exploration project at the May 8 board meeting; the board also read a parent letter praising Oak Creek Elementary staff and recognized longtime food service employee Mary Ellen Buckingham for retirement.","actionData","errors"]

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Olentangy treasurer warns state proposal to sweep reserves could force annual levies

Votes at a glance: Olentangy board approves rehire notice, consent agenda including $154,376 Shanahan restroom contract

Students present Ikigai career project; board highlights staff during Teacher Appreciation Week