Canfield superintendent warns pending state bills could cost district $4.7 million; board approves personnel, grants and transportation changes

CANFIELD, Ohio — Superintendent Noel told the Canfield Local Board of Education on July 9 that recent changes in the Ohio budget (House Bill 96) and a separate proposal moving through the state House could sharply reduce local school revenues and called on residents to contact state lawmakers before a scheduled July 21 vote. "It will cost Canfield hugely, up to the tune of $4,700,000," Noel said, referring to a proposal to eliminate inside millage.

Why it matters: The superintendent said several governor line-item vetoes that protect school-district fiscal flexibility are at risk of being overridden in Columbus. If inside millage were removed and limits placed on cash carryover or on emergency/substitute levies, Canfield officials say the district would likely need to seek new voter levies or shift general-fund resources to cover ongoing expenses.

Noel summarized recent action on the 2025 state budget and subsequent activity in the Ohio House. He said Governor Mike DeWine signed the budget bill (House Bill 96) but issued multiple line-item vetoes affecting education funding and levy rules; House members have scheduled a July 21 session to consider overriding several of those vetoes. Noel urged residents to contact local representatives, naming Fisher and McNally as local House members, and to tell them not to override the vetoes. "The governor did us right when it comes to public education, and those overrides need to stand," Noel said.

Noel outlined three specific threats he said could be restored if the House overrides the governor: restoring county…