Big Walnut treasurer and superintendent warn House budget and proposed cash-cap could force $26.8 million return to state

Big Walnut Local Schools officials told the school board Monday that a proposed change in the state budget and a new House provision capping school district carryover could require the district to return roughly $26,765,699 in fiscal 2025.

The warning came during the district—s finance update and five-year forecast presentation, when Treasurer Scott Gooding and Superintendent Ryan McClain summarized current revenues, projected changes and how a cash-cap in substitute House Bill 96 might affect local reserves.

The forecast and why it matters

Treasurer Scott Gooding said the district remains in a strong financial position through March but emphasized the numbers are sensitive to state action and timing. "The revenue highlights for revenue and other financing sources, actual year to date through March 31 was 38,120,000.00," Gooding said, noting a year-to-date revenue variance of about $1.59 million over estimates and underspending on expenses that improved the district's cash position.

McClain framed the budget risk in blunt terms. "If that were put into placewe would be required Big Walnut would be required to return nearly $27,000,000 this year," Superintendent Ryan McClain said, describing the House budget—s proposed limit that would force districts to…