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Toledo board adopts resolution opposing Ohio House Bill 420, warns local levies at risk
Summary
The Toledo Public Schools Board of Education voted May 19 to adopt a resolution opposing Ohio House Bill 420, saying the bill would eliminate continuing levies and force reauthorization of six levies that total about $81.3 million in local revenue, creating instability for district budgeting and services.
The Toledo Public Schools Board of Education on May 19 unanimously adopted a resolution opposing Ohio House Bill 420, which board members said would require previously continuing property-tax levies to be resubmitted to voters and risk destabilizing the district’s local funding.
Board members read the resolution aloud and then debated its local impact before voting. "Requiring repeated voter approval to maintain existing funding would create revenue instability, increase administrative costs, and impair long-term financial planning for school districts," the resolution states.
Why it matters: Board members said the district relies heavily on locally voted property taxes to support teacher recruitment and retention, student safety and classroom resources. A board presentation noted six levies could be affected — described in board materials as all the pre-1976 levies plus five additional levies — totaling roughly $81.3 million in voter-approved revenue that would need reauthorization if HB 420 became law.
Several board members framed the measure as part of a broader threat to public education. "This is a very dangerous bill," said Miss Barnes, a board member, arguing that removing diversity, equity and inclusion protections and destabilizing funding would disproportionately affect vulnerable students. She added, "If you want to take over the world, you take over the youth mind first," linking curricular restrictions and funding changes to longer-term policy aims.
Mrs. Barwig, another board member, warned the impacts would reach beyond schools: "These are sustaining lives and community," she said, urging residents to consider consequences for public safety and other services funded by property taxes.
The vote: The resolution passed on a unanimous roll call: Mr. Parker — yes; Mrs. Barwig — yes; Miss Barnes — yes; Mrs. Gerkin — yes; Mr. Vasquez — yes.
What the board will do next: The resolution calls on the Ohio General Assembly to reject HB 420; board members urged community members to contact state legislators and attend informational meetings the district is holding on a separate transformation plan. The resolution took effect immediately after adoption.
Sources and limits: The $81.3 million figure and the list of levies were presented during the meeting; the precise levy list and accounting were described by board materials and staff during discussion. The board’s resolution references Ohio House Bill 420 by name and cites the district’s concern about changes to continuing levies.
