Public commenters urge levy passage, ask board to join voucher lawsuit and request ICE‑response policy

During the second public‑comment hearing several residents addressed the board on the levy, voucher litigation and immigration‑enforcement concerns.

David Lim addressed board leaders and urged the district to join the "Vouchers Hurt Ohio" lawsuit challenging taxpayer funding for vouchers. Lim described House Bill 671, which would withhold state funding from districts participating in such litigation, as "nothing more than extortion" and asked the board not to be pressured away from joining the suit.

Zoey Barninger asked the board to adopt a clear protocol for how the district would respond if U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) or other federal agents approached school property or sought to remove a child. Barninger raised FERPA and privacy concerns and said districts in the region have developed written plans and counsel guidance. "Schools have the right to reserve their status as a private property and deny entrance to an ICE officer looking for a student as long as that ICE officer does not have a judicial warrant to enter and search the building," she said, and urged the district to consider legal counsel at each step.

Multiple speakers also urged support for the levy, describing the measure as necessary to preserve staffing, programs and the district’s quality of education. Community members asked trustees to be explicit in their public support if they back the measure.

Next steps: The board did not vote on joining any litigation during the meeting. Administration and trustees will consider public requests and follow up as appropriate.