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Treasurer warns House Bill 96 would reduce state school funding; board discusses drafting a resolution
Summary
The district treasurer told the Bedford Board on April 17 that House Bill 96 would lower the state's share of school funding and could cap allowable fund carryover at 30 percent, shifting more cost to local taxpayers; board members agreed to draft a resolution opposing the bill and urged constituent contact with legislators.
The Bedford City Schools treasurer told the board on April 17 that House Bill 96, as reported by staff, would reduce the state share of school funding and create new limits on districts' fund carryover, potentially increasing pressure on local property taxpayers.
“There's really no other way to put it. This is an awful piece of legislator,” the treasurer said while reviewing the district’s monthly financial report. The treasurer told the board revenue was running about $335,000 favorable to the fall forecast and expenditures about $1,639,000 favorable, and then summarized the bill’s effects as presented to the district: the state share percentage, which rose to 43.3% in a past adjustment, stands at about 38.4% this year and — according to the treasurer’s presentation — would decline in coming years unless inputs are updated to more recent fiscal years. The treasurer also described a proposed cap that would limit general fund carryover to 30% of expenditures, and warned the change could lead to annual property tax adjustments that would be difficult to explain to residents.
Board members responded by urging constituents to contact legislators and by proposing a formal board resolution opposing the bill. Miss Boynton said she would work with district staff and with OSBA contacts to draft a resolution supporting fair funding; other board members encouraged in‑person outreach and testified that district representatives had already lobbied in Columbus.
Board members emphasized the legislative outreach should be specific and personal. One member said letters and calls should describe how proposed changes would affect special education, staffing and capital projects in Bedford rather than sending a generic form letter.
Ending: The board agreed to draft a resolution in support of fair school funding and to coordinate outreach; staff and board members urged residents and district employees to contact state legislators to express concerns about House Bill 96.
