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Monroe board warns state cash‑reserve cap could force local cuts, urges community action
Summary
Board members at Monroe Local Schools criticized a proposed state budget provision that would cap school district cash reserves, saying it would penalize fiscally responsible districts and could force cuts or delay projects. Board members reported recent conversations with state lawmakers and urged community engagement.
MONROE, Ohio — Monroe Local Schools board members said a proposed provision in the state biannual budget that would cap school district cash reserves could force local spending cuts and undermine long‑term plans.
Board member Mister Leeds reported April 28 that the governor’s budget and roughly 45 related property‑tax bills moving through the Ohio legislature include a cash‑reserve cap that would limit districts’ carryover funds. Leeds told the board he and colleagues discussed the issue with state Senator Lang, who “was in complete agreement” that the language would penalize districts that have saved for planned projects.
Leeds said the proposed cap’s numeric limits are “so low that it’s a clear indication they have no idea how public school finances work.” He told the board the district used reserves to avoid raising taxes for a planned high‑school project and to cover other planned capital work. Board members and administrators warned that if reserves are reduced, the district could have to delay or scale back planned summer projects and technology purchases.
Treasurer’s comments at the meeting outlined uncertainty about how the state would calculate the cap and which fiscal measures would be used as the baseline. The treasurer noted Monroe’s April tax settlements included unexpectedly strong TIF revenue this year but said that favorable receipt could be partially spent down to cover near‑term purchases such as approximately 750 Chromebooks estimated at about $315,000.
Board members linked the reserve cap to broader changes in the budget proposal that would alter the funding formula and reduce state contributions over time as local capacity increases. At the meeting Superintendent Mister Buskirk and other board members urged residents to contact representatives and said the district planned a message to the community calling for support.
Board members urged caution in relying on current estimates, saying many details remain unknown — including precisely which expenditures or balance definitions the state would use to enforce a 30% cap. Several members said they had discussed the matter with state officials and remain hopeful the language will be revised but emphasized that community advocacy would be necessary if it is not.
The board did not take a formal vote on the state budget provision; members said their next step was public outreach and continued engagement with legislators.
