We want to keep our community informed as we closely monitor the state budget process. You may recall that the Governor’s original budget proposal would have reduced Hilliard City Schools’ state funding by $2.5 to $3.5 million annually—an alarming cut. While the Ohio House recently passed a version that avoids those reductions, it still falls short. Lawmakers are not continuing the Fair School Funding Plan, and they are using outdated 2022 cost figures that don’t reflect today’s realities. As a result, Hilliard and many Ohio districts still won’t receive the full and fair funding our students deserve.
A newly proposed amendment in Substitute House Bill 96 is also raising serious concerns. It would require school districts with cash balances above 30% of prior-year operating expenses to reduce their property tax rates. While this may sound like short-term taxpayer relief, it undermines long-term financial planning and could have major consequences for Hilliard.
Here’s what that means for us:
Hilliard ended Fiscal Year 2024 with a 38.6% cash balance, expected to drop to 23.5% within five years. These dollars were approved by voters and are part of a careful, responsible plan to avoid frequent levy requests, maintain high-quality programs, and ensure financial stability. The community supported—and funded—this long-term approach during our November 2024 operating and bond issue.
If the proposed amendment becomes law, we may be forced to return to the ballot sooner than expected, or more often, just to maintain current programs. This goes against the stability and trust our community values.
Why This Matters:
- A healthy reserve is recommended by financial experts. We aim to stay above 20% to maintain stability.
- Capping reserves may lead to wasteful spending or force districts to liquidate investments at a loss.
- Instability could threaten our bond ratings and increase borrowing costs.
- Levy success rates are low. Frequent requests put our students’ opportunities at risk.
- Property owners may see unpredictable changes in escrow payments.
In short, this proposal threatens our ability to manage public funds responsibly and honor the trust you’ve placed in us.
How You Can Help: Your voice matters! Now is the time to speak up. Contact your legislators and ask them to:
- Fully fund the Fair School Funding Plan and update the cost calculations.
- Allow school districts and communities, not the state, to determine responsible reserve levels and levy timelines.
When you call or write to your elected officials, consider sharing why Hilliard City Schools matter to your family. Ask for continued fair funding and local control. And thank them for their time and service.
Here is a quick script:
“Hello, my name is [Your Name] and I’m a resident of [Your District]. I’m calling to express my strong concern about the proposed budget bill’s impact on public school funding. I urge you to prioritize fair and equitable funding for our public schools, as insufficient funding is impacting our classrooms, teachers, and students. I’m asking you to:
- Support a budget that fully funds the Fair School Funding Plan.
- Ensure that the state’s share of the base cost per pupil does not decrease.
- Remove any provisions limiting school district carry-over cash balances.
- Oppose any measures that divert funds from public schools to private school vouchers.
I believe that investing in our public schools is investing in the future of our state. Thank you for your time and consideration.”
Who to contact:
Senator Michele Reynolds reynolds@ohiosenate.gov – 614-466-8064
Senator Beth Liston liston@ohiosenate.gov – 614-466-5981
Senator William DeMora demora@ohiosenate.gov – 614-466-4583
Representative Crystal Lett rep11@ohiohouse.gov – 614-466-5358
Representative Christine Cockley Rep06@ohiohouse.gov – 614-644-6005
Representative Allison Russo rep07@ohiohouse.gov or 614-466-8012
Together, we can advocate for the kind of educational excellence and financial stability our students and community deserve.
Sincerely,
Treasurer Melissa Swearingen and Superintendent David Stewart
