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Kenston officials warn state bill could cut school revenue; district urges continued outreach to lawmakers
Summary
At its June 30 meeting the Kenston Local School District discussed state legislation that would reduce inside millage revenue and other budget changes, reviewed a cash-balance projection showing a sharp decline if the proposal passes, and encouraged continued community outreach to legislators.
Kenston Local School District leaders warned Monday that proposed state legislation could sharply reduce the district's annual revenue and force difficult choices, including early levies or staff and service cuts.
The warning came during a legislative and treasurer's update at the June 30 board of education meeting. Officials said the proposal under discussion in the state legislature would eliminate or reduce so-called "inside millage," a form of local tax authority that the district said currently provides about $5.4 million to Kenston each year.
Why it matters: District leaders said losing that revenue would accelerate the need for an operating levy or require cuts. Treasurer Seth (last name not provided at the meeting) said, "Kenston has 4.5 mills of inside millage, and that equates to about $5,400,000. So for every 1 mill, you get about $1,200,000." He told the board the draft proposal could take effect in January 2026, meaning the district would feel a partial impact in fiscal 2026 and a full impact in fiscal 2027.
The treasurer presented a cash-balance forecast that removed the 4.5 mills and showed a steep decline in the district's reserve over several years. "If this passes, 1 of those 2 things has to happen," he said, referring to either passing a levy in 2026 or cutting staff and services to avoid a negative cash balance.
Meeting discussion and context: Board members and administrators described several related bills and budget items discussed in Columbus. The meeting included a report that the Ohio School Boards Association had written a veto request to the governor on select items in the biennial budget bill, including changes to allowed cash balances and provisions to move school board elections to partisan ballots. The board did not adopt a formal position or take a vote at Monday's meeting on those measures.
What the board asked of the public: District leaders urged residents to continue contacting state legislators. The superintendent and treasurer said the community's rapid response earlier in June—which included dozens of public comments and messages—helped keep the proposal from being folded directly into the budget package, but the legislature's pending action could reintroduce similar language.
What did not happen: No formal board action was taken Monday to change district policy or levy schedules. The treasurer said a full fiscal-year-end report will be presented at the July 14 board meeting, and that any required decisions about levies or cuts would be based on further legislative developments and updated financials.
Looking ahead: District officials asked the public to monitor Kenston's website for links and updates and to keep communicating with state lawmakers if they want the district to retain current inside millage revenue levels.
