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West Geauga superintendent warns proposed rollback would cost district about $2.5 million a year
Summary
Superintendent Dr. Benincasa told the board that proposed rollback changes tied to recent state legislation would hit West Geauga with an estimated $2.4–$2.6 million yearly revenue loss and raised uncertainty about how state reimbursement will be calculated.
Superintendent Dr. Benincasa told the West Geauga Local School District board that proposed rollback changes under recent state measures would significantly reduce district revenue, estimating a loss of roughly $2.4 million to $2.6 million per year.
"It will start gravely impacting schools and our ability to serve our students," she said, describing a broad effect on schools, libraries and townships. The board heard that county officials and district leaders planned to make comments at the Geauga County Commissioners meeting the following day; the superintendent said district representatives, including Karen (who spoke on behalf of treasurers), and superintendent representatives, including Bruce Willingham, would present concerns there.
District staff said they received official estimates indicating a roughly $2.6 million reduction in the first full year. The superintendent cautioned that the state has signaled a reimbursement component but has not yet published the calculations or timeline; the board noted an earlier estimate of about $800,000 as a potential one-time reimbursement figure but stressed that the final amount is unknown.
Board members and staff discussed timing and cash-flow implications: some county treasuries have delayed tax distributions in previous years and that practice may recur, potentially creating short-term cash-flow pressure in July and August. The superintendent also noted the district had suspended a planned 2.35‑million-dollar levy this cycle, which could further complicate reimbursement calculations.
The board did not take formal action on the state-level policy at the meeting. Dr. Benincasa said district leaders will continue to press for clear guidance from the Ohio Department of Taxation and the Department of Education and encouraged board members to attend or be represented at the county hearing.
What happens next: district staff said they will await the state's published reimbursement methodology and reflect the change in the district’s August forecast; the board will consider further budget adjustments after the district receives definitive figures.
