HB 335 Threatens Hilliard City Schools and Property Values

HB 335 is a sweeping property tax reform bill that combines elements from several prior proposals (HB 129, HB 186, and HB 309). It would fundamentally change how property taxes are levied, limited, and allocated in Ohio, with devastating implications for public school districts. This is a critical time for community advocacy to help protect stable, voter-approved revenue.

You can click the links to find Information and FAQ’s, which are designed to help community members understand the financial, operational, and legal implications of HB 335 and actively advocate to protect Ohio’s public education system and the full HB335 Testimony from Hilliard Schools to the House Ways and Means Committee by Treasurer Melissa Swearingen and Superintendent David Stewart.

Next Steps: The provisions in this bill could be added to the budget bill during the conference committee process. It is crucial that legislators hear from you as soon as possible.  Please reach out to the following committee members to make your voice heard.  (There is a sample script below.)

Our children’s future and our community’s economic health depend on maintaining strong schools.  Thank you for your continued support.

Sincerely,

Melissa Swearingen, Hilliard City Schools Treasurer, and David Stewart, Hilliard City Schools Superintendent

 

Sample Message to send:

Subject: HB 335 Threatens Hilliard City Schools and Property Values

Dear (INSERT LEGISLATOR’S NAME),

As a [parent/resident/business owner] in the Hilliard City Schools, I’m deeply concerned about House Bill 335, which threatens to devastate our local schools and economic future.

HB 335, misleadingly called the “Property Tax Relief NOW Act,” would eliminate over $1.5 billion in school funding statewide with no replacement funding. In Hilliard, this means approximately $20.8 million, or 260 teachers could lose their jobs, and programs could be eliminated.

This isn’t real property tax relief; it’s a shell game that temporarily reduces tax bills while destroying the school quality that drives property values. No family wants to buy a home in a district that has just eliminated art, music, and sports programs.

We support targeted relief for families who genuinely struggle with property taxes. Senate Bill 22 is a property tax circuit breaker that does exactly that, helping households while protecting school quality. That’s smart policy that builds strong communities.

I urge you to oppose HB 335 and support real solutions like SB 22. Our children, our community, and our economic future depend on it.

Sincerely,

[Your name, and your title/credentials if relevant]

 

Who to Contact:

 

HOUSE WAYS AND MEANS COMMITTEE:

 

Rep. Bill Roemer, Chair       rep31@ohiohouse.gov         (614) 644-5085

Rep. David Thomas, Vice Chair  Rep65@ohiohouse.gov   (614) 466-3488

Rep. Daniel Troy, Ranking Member  rep23@ohiohouse.gov    (614) 466-7251

Rep. Gary Click        rep88@ohiohouse.gov        (614) 466-1374

Rep. Jack Daniels    rep32@ohiohouse.gov     (614) 466-1790

Rep. Steve Demetriou  rep35@ohiohouse.gov     (614) 644-5088

Rep. Derrick Hall   rep34@ohiohouse.gov   (614) 466-1177

Rep. Beth Lear rep61@ohiohouse.gov  (614) 466-1431

Rep. Tracy Richardson   rep86@ohiohouse.gov    (614) 466-8147

Rep. Elgin Rogers, Jr.     Rep42@ohiohouse.gov      (614) 466-1401

Rep. Nick Santucci   rep64@ohiohouse.gov          (614) 466-5441

Rep. Mark Sigrist      rep10@ohiohouse.gov            (614) 466-9690

Rep. Jim Thomas       rep49@ohiohouse.gov         (614) 466-8030

 



Thursday, August 7, 2025Darby Days

Students will have school/ID photos taken, be able to meet with counselors, receive iPads, pick up parking passes, find classrooms, learn about available clubs, etc.

8:00 am – 9:00 am – Fall Athletes & Marching Band (10-12th grade ONLY)

9:00 am – 11:30 am – 10-12th grade ONLY

1:00 pm –4:00 pm – 10-12th grade ONLY

Tuesday, August 12, 2025 Freshman Orientation

Students need to attend the entire time.  School/ID photos will be taken and students will receive their iPads.

8:45 am – 9:00 am – Freshman Arrive

9:00 am – 1:00 pm – Orientation (lunch will be provided)

6:30 pm – Freshman Parent Meeting in the Performing Arts Center

Wednesday, August 13, 2025 – Darby Days Make Up Day

8:00 am – 11:00 am – Students can stop in at any time between these hours.

Monday, August 18, 2025 – Open House

6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Students and Families will have the opportunity to walk the building, find classrooms, and visit with teachers and staff

Wednesday, August 20, 2025 – First Day of School



Class of 2026, now is the time to start planning your senior portraits which are due to the yearbook by December 12, 2025. Details linked here. Please remember that you are competing for professional photographers’ space and time with every other senior on the Columbus area. Even if a friend is taking your pictures, friends also have time constraints. Please plan sooner rather than later.



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Principal:
Matt Middleton

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