Franklin County judge rules Ohio school vouchers unconstitutional amid budget bill tensions

The Nordonia Board of Education held a meeting on July 2, 2025, where several key topics were discussed, including upcoming committee meetings, legislative updates, and budgetary concerns.

The meeting began with a brief announcement regarding the next Board of Education meeting scheduled for July 24, 2025, at 8:30 AM. Following this, board members were invited to share any committee reports. Most members indicated there was nothing significant to report, noting it had been a quiet month. However, Mrs. McKinley mentioned a FACT Committee meeting set for July 16, with notifications to be sent out that week.

A significant portion of the meeting focused on legislative matters, particularly the biennial budget bill, House Bill 96. It was reported that a Franklin County judge ruled that Ohio school vouchers were unconstitutional on three out of five counts, with an appeal anticipated. The budget, which had gone through a conference committee for reconciliation, was awaiting the governor's signature. Concerns were raised about the elimination of the fair school funding plan, which removed provisions for adequate funding, potentially disadvantaging high-need districts.

The budget proposal includes funding bonuses for high-performing districts but places a 40% cap on year-end cash balances for districts, with specific exceptions. Additionally, districts will need to certify annually the amount spent on permanent improvements. The final bill retains inside millage but is still tied to House Bill 335, which is pending in the House Ways and Means Committee.

The discussion also touched on the State Teachers' Retirement System (STRS), which is currently the only public pension plan under review by the state government. Concerns were raised about the lack of attention to other public employee pension plans and the implications for educators, who do not contribute to Social Security. The meeting highlighted the ongoing struggle for educators to influence their retirement system, particularly following legislative changes that altered the composition of the STRS governing board, reducing representation for active and retired educators.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored significant legislative developments affecting school funding and educator retirement, with board members expressing the need for continued vigilance and advocacy in these areas. The next meeting is anticipated to provide further updates on these pressing issues.