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Board adopts resolution opposing House Bill 96 and urges fair school funding
Summary
The Worthington City Board of Education unanimously approved an amended resolution opposing House Bill 96 and urging the legislature to restore fair funding; trustees added contextual language about the district's fiscal stewardship and local funding reliance.
The Worthington City Board of Education unanimously approved a resolution on March 10 opposing House Bill 96 and urging state lawmakers to restore a fair school funding formula that the board says would otherwise reduce state support for the district.
The board voted to adopt updated language that adds background on the district's recent fiscal stewardship and notes the district's reliance on local support. The amended resolution also asks lawmakers to consider the impact of proposed formula changes on local levy burdens and student programming.
Why it matters: Board members and the district administration said the proposed state budget formula would inaccurately calculate district wealth and could reduce state aid, shifting a larger share of education costs to local taxpayers. Treasurer TJ Cusick briefed board members on the legislative timeline and emphasized that Worthington is one of 39 Ohio districts projected to lose funding under the draft model; he told the board those 39 districts total roughly $27 million in projected losses across two years.
Board discussion and edits: Members reviewed a draft resolution and added contextual paragraphs describing the district's fiscal record and historical levy support from residents. The board asked staff to insert the district's recent recognition from the state auditor for fiscal responsibility and to note that future budget choices could make the district more reliant on local funding. Trustees instructed staff to finalize the amended resolution language and include vote language indicating unanimous approval.
Vote: The amended resolution passed unanimously (5-0) at the March 10 meeting.
Other budget items on the agenda: Treasurer TJ Cusick reported routine annual steps the board took to begin the 2026 tax-rate certification process and reminded the board that the gross rates filed with the county are higher than effective rates because of Ohio's House Bill 920 rollbacks. He also described insurance-loss-ratio monitoring and a 6% insurance premium increase earlier in the year.
Next steps: The district will transmit the approved resolution and continue advocacy with state lawmakers as the House and Senate consider the budget. Board members and administrators said they will monitor amendments and may revisit positions as the process evolves.
