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Westlake board unanimously opposes proposed 30% cap on school carryover funds
Summary
The Westlake City School District Board of Education approved a resolution opposing a provision in the Ohio biennium budget that would require school districts to return funds exceeding 30% of the prior year's operating budget, saying the measure would threaten long-term financial planning and could force earlier levy campaigns.
The Westlake City School District Board of Education on April 28 approved a resolution opposing a provision in a House-passed biennium budget that would require districts to return funds that exceed 30% of the previous year's operating budget.
Board members said the cap would hinder the district's ability to plan for facilities, safety upgrades and other long-term needs, and could force the district to seek operating levies sooner than expected. The resolution instructs the board to forward copies to leaders in the Ohio General Assembly, the governor, the director of the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce and other stakeholders.
Board members and district officials noted that Westlake has not passed an operating levy since May 2006 and that the district has deliberately maintained reserves to plan capital work and lower borrowing costs. In discussion, speakers described the 30% figure as arbitrary, cited a prior proposal at 25%, and said many Ohio districts hold significantly higher reserves as part of long-term financial planning. The board also discussed how preserved reserves have supported the district's bond rating and ability to stage projects such as athletic fields and vestibule work over time.
Trustees agreed the district would draft and distribute the resolution to local and state lawmakers and consider outreach to parents and local media. The board amended the draft resolution to insert the word "tax" in a paragraph describing the district's low residential effective millage rate before voting. The amended resolution passed on a roll call vote with all members present voting yes.
The resolution frames the board's opposition as a request that the Ohio General Assembly remove the carryover provision from the biennium budget and to consider alternatives that do not disrupt local districts'long-term financial plans.
While the board expressed support for property tax relief in general, members said this specific carryover provision would be a one-time reduction that could leave districts with reduced reserves and less flexibility to respond to future needs. The board did not take further action beyond approving and directing distribution of the resolution.
