By JAN McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Bowling Green City Schools Treasurer Matt Feasel was uncharacteristically unsettled Tuesday evening.
“I don’t think I’ve ever been so adamant,” and outspoken about a school funding issue inflicted by state legislators, Feasel said at the monthly board of education meeting.
“It’s just short of bizarre. They are doing everything they can do to limit funding,” he said.
The budget bill approved by the Ohio House and now before the Ohio Senate includes a proposal to force property tax reductions on the back of school district rainy day funds if they exceed 30% of the district budget.
Feasel said the proposal is so concerning that he and 400 of his fellow school treasurers throughout the state were just on a webinar trying to get information about the change.
State legislators “all of the sudden” are trying to take the roles of county auditors, school superintendents and school treasurers, he said.
The budget bill also eliminates the “fair school funding” effort, Feasel said.
Many Democrats objected to the K-12 funding model that abandons the so-called fair school funding plan lawmakers have been working toward in the last two budget cycles. By setting aside that formula, the state is returning to an ad hoc funding approach the Ohio Supreme Court ruled unconstitutional.
While school districts worry about how much funding is coming in, they could now also have to consider how much is sitting on their balance sheets. The budget bill would direct county officials to pare back the property taxes which support schools if a district maintains a balance worth more than 30% of its annual budget.
“That’s scary,” Feasel said. “This is one of the worst situations I’ve ever seen. I’m very concerned about the future of school funding.”
If a school district’s reserves exceed the 30% maximum allowed, the county budget commission – which includes the county auditor, county treasurer, and president of the county commissioners – would be forced to reduce the real estate taxes being collected for the district.
“How can the budget commission reduce taxes that local voters have passed,” Feasel asked. And once it’s gone, it’s not coming back, he said.
“It’s attacking local control,” he said.
Bowling Green City Schools has had a policy in place to have 105 days of cash reserves. With operating costs of $114,745 a day, that adds up to $12,048,225. That would exceed the 30% maximum of $11,575,850.
“Districts are going to be forced to borrow money just to make payroll,” Feasel said.
Wood County’s State Rep. Haraz Ghanbari, R-Perrysburg, voted in favor of the budget bill. Feasel asked that district residents contact State Sen. Theresa Gavarone, R-Bowling Green, before the bill comes to a vote in the senate.
“We need to make sure she understands the impact and how this affects Bowling Green,” he said.
Also at the meeting, the board heard from Executive Director of Pupil Services Allie Willibey, who reported on the Student Wellness & Success Plan for 2025.
Willibey talked about the school district’s community partnerships working with school nurses, counselors, psychologists, and prevention specialists for alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.
“We feel it’s very important to meet the needs of the whole child,” she said.
In other business at Tuesday’s meeting:
- Haselman reported that BGCS Athletic Director Michele Wolf has been selected as 2025 recipient of the Northwest Ohio Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association Athletic Director of the Year Award. This award is to give recognition to athletic administrators who have exhibited superior performance throughout their career exemplifying the highest standards of ethical conduct, integrity, moral character, service, leadership and professionalism.
- Haselman announced the retirement of Dawn Dazell, who has been the human resources administrator for the district for 19 years.
- Board member Tracy Hovest praised the work of students and staff on the musical production, “All Shook Up.”
- Board member Peggy Thompson asked people to consider volunteering with Bowling Green City Schools, even if it’s just one hour a week.
- The board accepted donations from the community, totaling $5,690 last month, for the after prom, DECA conference, Crim inclusive playground, scholarships, plus clothing and snacks.
