Governor DeWine vetoes key provisions in Ohio's budget bill impacting schools

A significant legislative update emerged from the Fairfield Union Local Board Meeting on July 7, 2025, as members discussed the recent approval of the budget bill by both the House and Senate, now signed into law by Governor Mike DeWine. However, uncertainty looms over certain financial aspects of the bill, with board members awaiting further clarification on specific provisions.

One of the most notable highlights from the meeting was the record number of vetoes issued by Governor DeWine this year, totaling 67 line-item vetoes, the highest in his tenure. Among these, the governor vetoed the controversial cap on carryovers, allowing schools to maintain an unrestricted general fund carryover. This decision is expected to provide schools with greater financial flexibility.

Additionally, the governor vetoed changes to the calculation of the 20-mill floor, which would have excluded some levies from this calculation. This move is seen as a relief for local school districts that rely on these funds.

Perhaps the most impactful veto was regarding partisan school board elections. The proposed legislation would have required candidates for school board positions to declare a political party and participate in a primary election. This change would have shifted Ohio's long-standing tradition of nonpartisan school board elections, potentially leading to conflicts within the Ohio revised code and contradicting recent legislation aimed at keeping politics out of the classroom. Board members expressed relief at the veto, emphasizing the importance of maintaining nonpartisan elections for educational governance.

In addition, the meeting touched on other vetoed legislation concerning employee contributions to the State Teachers Retirement System (STRS), leaving several issues unresolved as the board navigates the implications of these legislative changes. The board is poised to monitor developments closely as they unfold.