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Mentor board adopts resolution urging full phase‑in of Fair School Funding, opposes 30% carryover cap
Summary
The Mentor board voted to adopt a resolution calling for full funding of the Fair School Funding Plan and opposing a proposed 30% district carryover cap. The board amended language removing a specific dollar estimate and approved the resolution 3‑0‑2 (two abstentions).
The Mentor Exempted Village Board of Education adopted a resolution on May 13 urging the state to fully fund the Fair School Funding Plan and opposing a 30% cap on district fund balances that appears in the proposed biennial budget (House Bill 96).
Board member Miss Marchazza, who introduced the resolution, framed it as an effort to ask lawmakers to honor earlier promises to schools: “The Fair School Funding Plan provides consistency and predictability and stability to all Ohio school districts,” she said during the meeting. She and other supporters said the cap and proposed cuts could immediately reduce Mentor’s revenue and create long‑term uncertainty for levy planning.
The original draft of the resolution included a specific estimated dollar amount of projected underfunding. After discussion, the board removed the numeric figure and kept a factual statement that the proposed budget would underfund the district “compared to what would be provided under a fully funded Fair School Funding Plan.” The change was made by board amendment before the final vote.
During debate, board members and the superintendent emphasized ongoing advocacy efforts. Superintendent Michael Heath and CFO Bill Wade described meetings with state lawmakers and provided the board with fiscal modeling showing how possible state actions could affect the district’s five‑year forecast. Wade also briefed the board on the timing of senate committee work and encouraged community testimony to the senate finance committee.
Public commenters and several board members specifically urged residents to contact State Senator Jerry Serino, the chair of the Senate Finance Committee, and to submit testimony while the bill is still under consideration. The final roll call for the amended resolution was: Miss Marchazza — yes; Miss Jessling — yes; Miss Aappalo — abstain; Miss Payne — abstain; Miss Cook — yes (motion passes 3‑0‑2).
The adopted resolution and related public testimony are intended as a formal statement of the board’s position as the budget moves to the Ohio Senate. Board members said they will continue outreach to legislators and plan public information sessions to explain potential local effects if funding changes are enacted.
This resolution does not change district policy; it records the board’s position and asks state lawmakers to preserve full funding and local control.
