Ohio House Prepares to Override Governor's Line Item Vetoes on Controversial Budget Bill

The Brecksville-Broadview Heights City School District Board convened on July 16, 2025, to discuss significant developments surrounding House Bill 96, which has implications for school governance, funding, and operational changes. The meeting began with a focus on the bill's impact beyond its funding aspects, highlighting both positive and negative outcomes.

The board reviewed the timeline of House Bill 96, noting its progression from the governor's initial proposal in February to the final version signed into law, which included several line-item vetoes. The governor's vetoes have prompted the House and Senate to schedule sessions on July 21 and 22 to consider overriding these decisions. A three-fifths majority is required for any veto overrides, necessitating 60 votes in the House and 20 in the Senate.

Key topics discussed included the proposed change to partisan school board elections, which was vetoed by the governor, and the restructuring of the State Board of Education from 19 to 5 appointed members. The board expressed relief that the partisan election requirement was not likely to be revisited.

The meeting also addressed fiscal oversight measures, including a vetoed cap on carryover funds, which could have forced districts with excess funds to return money to taxpayers. The board emphasized that while property tax relief is important, such measures could lead to more frequent levy requests from the community, potentially causing voter fatigue.

Other operational changes discussed included a new administrative spending cap, alterations to the bidding process for construction projects, and requirements for high dosage tutoring and career technical education offerings in middle schools. The board noted that these changes could create challenges for districts, particularly in terms of compliance and resource allocation.

The board also highlighted the need for a new policy on cell phone use during instructional hours, which must be implemented by January 2026, and discussed the implications of a new requirement for religious release time for students.

In conclusion, the board underscored the urgency of communicating with local legislators regarding the potential veto overrides, particularly concerning the carryover cap and other significant provisions that could affect public education funding and governance. The meeting concluded with a call to action for community members to engage with their representatives ahead of the upcoming sessions.