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Board packet warns HB 96 could squeeze district finances, urges advocacy
Summary
A district CFO presentation at the Aug. 20 board meeting outlined how Ohio's House Bill 96 could reduce state funding power, impose cash-reserve caps and limit levy options, and urged monitoring of potential veto overrides and community engagement.
A district financial presentation included in the board packet warned that Ohio's Substitute House Bill 96, signed June 30, 2025, contains provisions that could shift more of public-school funding burdens to local property taxpayers and constrain local fiscal flexibility.
The packet highlighted measures including a proposed 40% cash-balance cap, changes to the Fair School Funding Plan phase-in and restrictions on levy types. The presentation said those provisions would "limit our district's long-standing fiscal model" and reduce the district's ability to save for future capital and operating needs. The presentation also noted that several of the most significant provisions were vetoed by the governor but that the legislature has since considered overrides.
Why it matters: The packet framed the changes as potentially increasing levy frequency for local voters and undermining long-range planning. It urged residents and stakeholders to monitor legislative activity this fall and to engage with state lawmakers if veto overrides are considered. The board did not vote on HB 96 itself; the material was presented as part of the Treasurer/CFO packet supplied to trustees for deliberation.
