Contact:
Mason Cole
Communications Director
440-286-0409
April 30, 2025 (CHARDON, OH) — Ohio's House Bill 96 budget proposal is projected to negatively impact funding for Chardon Local Schools.
Key concerns include proposed property tax reforms that could accelerate the need to place a new operating levy on the ballot for the public’s consideration, the elimination of Ohio's Fair School Funding Formula which may lead to budget shortfalls, caps on district cash reserves limiting the district's ability to manage finances, and the expansion of public funding for private education.
The attached document indicates an in-depth look at the key issues and indicates HB 96 could lead to a $6 million reduction in property taxes for Chardon Local Schools in fiscal year 2026, significantly depleting cash reserves and necessitating placing a levy on the ballot in 2027. This bill would likely require the district to place a new levy on the ballot for the public’s consideration every two to three years. Despite diligent financial management and investments since the 2018 levy, HB 96 threatens local control and financial planning, potentially impacting educational programs in Chardon Schools.
The district is advocating for local control, engaging with state legislators and professional organizations, and urging community members to voice their concerns to elected officials, emphasizing that HB 96 in its current form is detrimental to public schools.
HB 96 is currently in the Ohio Senate for consideration and is anticipated to be approved by the Governor by June 30, 2025. For a complete overview of the Ohio Budget Process, please visit Ohio Policy Matters Guide to the State Budget HERE.
Please do not hesitate to contact our office with any questions concerning the status of HB 96.
Michael P. Hanlon, Jr. Ph.D.
Superintendent
Deb M. Armbruster
Treasurer/CFO
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