Grandview Heights Schools is urging all community members to speak out against a harmful provision in the recently passed Amended Substitute House Bill 96 (HB 96) that threatens the financial stability of public schools across Ohio.

What’s at Risk

HB 96 includes a provision that places a statewide cap on school district carryover balances at 40%, which would automatically reduce property tax rates when a district’s balance exceeds that threshold. While this might sound like taxpayer relief, the real impact would be deeply damaging:

• It forces districts to return to the ballot more frequently for smaller amounts of funding.
  
  
• It worsens levy fatigue in a state where seven out of ten new money school levies already fail.
  
  
• It creates uncertainty in planning and reduces resources available for student programs and services.
  
  
• It undermines local decision-making and responsible long-term financial management.
  
  
• It introduces vague and undefined processes that could lead to inconsistent and inequitable enforcement across the state.
  
  

This change will not result in meaningful tax relief. Instead, it will diminish educational opportunities and place unnecessary burdens on both taxpayers and school leaders.

What You Can Do

We need your help. Contact Governor Mike DeWine and urge him to veto the Cash Balance Carryover provision (TAXCD91) in HB 96. Let him know that you support local control, long-term financial planning, and strong public education.

Contact Information for Governor Mike DeWine:

• Online Contact Form: Contact Us | Governor Mike DeWine
• Phone: 614-466-3555

Sincerely,

Andy Culp, Superintendent

Beth Collier, CFO/Treasurer