Dear Redbird Families,
In late February, we shared an update about the proposed State Biennial Budget and its potential negative impacts on our schools. While the Senate and House have made some positive adjustments, new legislation, Ohio House Bill (HB) 96 and 335, has emerged that could significantly disrupt public education funding across Ohio, including here in Loudonville-Perrysville.
Ohio House Bill 96 and 335, currently under consideration, proposes sweeping changes to how schools and local governments are funded. While it aims to provide property tax relief to homeowners, it does so at the expense of critical funding for public schools and essential services.
Key Impacts of proposed legislation:
Elimination of Inside Millage: This bill removes a vital local funding source, called inside millage, that school districts and other public services receive. The reduction of local funding would impact LP Schools in the amount of $1,177,961.00 annually. Not only does this impact our schools, but our communities of Loudonville with a reduction in funding of $196,136 and Perrysville in the amount of $26,414.
No State Replacement Funds: The legislation does not provide new state funding to offset the significant losses local communities would face.
Limits on Voter-Approved Levies: Unelected budget commissions would gain the power to override existing levies, even those already approved by voters.
Cap on Savings: The proposal would cap the amount that Districts can save for future needs.
If passed, HB 335 would force many school districts to make painful cuts, including staff reductions, larger class sizes, fewer course offerings (such as arts, AP, and career tech), and the elimination of vital student supports.
In LPEVSD, this impact could result in the potential reduction of a significant number of staff members, state-minimum transportation (we currently offer transportation to all students), larger classes, fewer opportunities for students, and the ability to save in our efforts to address concerns with our facilities. Funds that the District has saved that are earmarked for improving our current buildings or to dedicate towards new facilities would be detrimentally impacted. The reduction of $1,177,961 annually would greatly impact all operations of our schools.
What You Can Do:
Share your voice and stand up for our schools and responsible public funding. We urge you to contact your state lawmakers and advocate for:
Opposing House Bill 335 and 96 that hurt public school funding and our communities
Protecting locally approved school funding
Supporting public education and local control
Investments in Ohio’s children
You can reach your Ohio legislators at:
Senator Mark Romanchuk
614-466-7505
Representative Melanie Miller 614-466-0961
Thank you for your continued partnership and support of our students, educators, and schools.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Allerding
Superintendent