Superintendent reports four bullying incidents and warns of statewide funding shortfalls

Superintendent Howard told the Trotwood-Madison City Board of Education on Jan. 8 that the district must prepare for tightening finances while continuing to monitor student safety.

On the semiannual harassment, intimidation and bullying (HIB) report — provided as required under state law — Howard said that as of Dec. 18, 2025, the district had recorded three verbal incidents and one physical incident for a district total of four; discipline consequences were assigned according to severity and could include Friday school, in‑school suspension, out‑of‑school suspension or expulsion. Howard told the board he would follow up with more specific information about individual consequences where appropriate.

Howard also outlined a statewide fiscal picture he said school leaders should watch: he cited recent public reports of deficits in other Ohio districts — including a $50 million shortfall in Columbus and an $18 million shortfall in Toledo with estimated staff impacts — and noted a broader reduction tied to targeted assistance funds affecting dozens of districts. He said the state’s failure to implement the fair school funding plan could mean reductions in the billions of dollars over the next two years and urged the board to continue evaluating all spending and prepare reduction plans.

"We are continuing to evaluate all of our spending," Howard said, urging the board and staff to keep student achievement at the forefront while planning for potential cuts. He asked the board and the community to review the materials he shared to understand the state context and local implications.

What happens next: Administration will provide follow-up details on discipline outcomes where permissible and continue work on the district’s reduction planning; the board will be updated at future meetings.