Monroe Local board plans outreach as members warn state property-tax changes could hit district funding
Summary
Board members warned that recent state property-tax reform proposals could constrain school revenue and discussed expanding legislative outreach, including possibly hiring a lobbyist from Butler Tech, and outlining community education ahead of potential levy needs.
Mister Leeds, a board member, told the Monroe Local Schools Board on Dec. 15 that he and Mister Carpenter plan to change the district's legislative outreach in response to multiple state proposals on property‑tax reform. "We need to start to educate the community," Leeds said, arguing some bills that tie property‑tax growth to inflation could limit the district's ability to cover rising costs and special‑needs student services.
Leeds said the board will explore using Butler Tech's lobbyist for greater perspective in Columbus and will press for meetings with state legislators to explain potential local impacts. He said the board has already met with local representatives and intends to escalate outreach, noting, "we need to be a squeaky wheel ... and get some of the bigger districts on board as well."
Other trustees recounted meetings with legislators and staff (including Amy and Robert, unnamed by full name in the record) and emphasized the need for clear community messaging about levy implications, special‑education costs and how proposed changes could affect the district's 20‑mill floor and employee compensation. One trustee said the district must identify where cuts would fall if revenue mechanisms are constrained, and urged coordinated outreach with neighboring districts and treasurers.
The discussion did not produce a formal motion or vote; trustees agreed to continue outreach and schedule follow‑up conversations with legislators. No specific legislative language or bill numbers were recorded during the meeting, and board members said precise fiscal effects remain uncertain pending state rulemaking.
