At the North Ridgeville City School District board meeting Tuesday, district staff member Garfin warned that a recent Ohio House vote to override Gov. Mike DeWine's veto on “line item 66” could prevent renewal of the district's substitute levy and force program and staff cuts unless a replacement is approved by voters.
Garfin told the board the district's current substitute levy brings in about $12,000,000 a year and is set to expire in February 2029. He said the House vote occurred July 21 and the Ohio Senate may not consider the matter until it returns in September, and urged residents to contact State Senator Nathan Manning.
The district’s announcement linked the potential change to broader local impacts: Garfin said that when levies in Lorain County expire the total at risk across districts could exceed $60,000,000. He listed possible consequences if a replacement levy is not passed before the expiration date: “drastic cuts, building closures, rolling back extracurriculars, transportation cuts, and staff reductions.”
Garfin asked residents to use talking points posted on the district website when contacting the senator and said district leaders would continue advocating for school funding.
No formal board action on the legislation was recorded during the meeting; Garfin’s remarks were part of the announcements section and were presented as information for the public and board members.