Xenia schools protest state budget proposal in letter to DeWine, legislators

Yahoo! News - Apr 26th, 2025

The Xenia school board has formally protested a provision in Ohio's House Bill 96, urging Governor Mike DeWine to veto a measure that they claim will significantly deplete the district's financial reserves. The bill, aimed at providing property tax relief, requires districts to maintain cash reserves no greater than 30% of the previous year's expenses. While the bill promises a $555 million increase in state aid, it also poses a financial threat to 486 out of over 600 school districts in Ohio, according to estimates. Xenia board members argue this change punishes fiscally responsible districts, complicates budget planning, and infringes on local fiscal autonomy.

The proposed measure has ignited a debate over state versus local control of school funding. Xenia officials emphasize that their community has not needed to increase taxes for day-to-day operations in over two decades, thanks to prudent financial management and sufficient cash reserves. They warn that the bill would lead to a temporary reduction in property taxes, followed by a sharp increase, thereby disrupting local financial stability. The measure is still under review by the Ohio Senate, where it faces opposition, highlighting the contentious nature of this legislative change and its potential impact on local governance and community trust.

Governor Mike De Wine Xenia School Board House Bill 96 Ohio State Government School Funding Formula Property Tax Relief Local Government Control

Story submitted by Fairstory

RATING

7.2

Fair Story

Consider it well-founded

The article provides a detailed account of the Xenia school board's opposition to House Bill 96, focusing on its potential impact on the district's finances. It effectively communicates the board's concerns and provides specific financial details, contributing to its accuracy and clarity. However, the lack of opposing viewpoints and broader context limits its balance and source quality. The story is timely and of public interest, addressing ongoing debates about school funding and property taxes. While the article engages readers directly affected by the issue, its broader impact may be limited without additional perspectives. Overall, the article is well-written and accessible, but could benefit from a more comprehensive exploration of the topic.

Accuracy

The story accurately reports on the Xenia school board's protest against House Bill 96 and its potential impact on the district's finances. The article provides specific figures, such as the $555 million increase in state aid and the 30% cap on carryover balances, which are key elements of the bill. However, the claim that the bill will "decimate" the district's bank account is subjective and needs further verification, as it depends on the district's financial management and future state decisions. The story does not provide external verification for the claim that 486 out of 600-plus districts would be impacted, nor does it cite specific sources for the $4 billion property tax relief estimate.

Balance

The article presents the perspective of the Xenia school board, highlighting their concerns about the bill's impact. It quotes board members and provides detailed explanations of their arguments. However, it lacks balance as it does not include perspectives from proponents of the bill or other districts that might support the measure. Including viewpoints from state officials or other school districts could have provided a more balanced view of the issue.

Clarity

The article is generally clear and well-structured, with a logical flow of information. It effectively explains the key points of the bill and the concerns of the Xenia school board. The language is straightforward and accessible, making it easy for readers to understand the issues at hand. However, some technical terms related to school funding might require further explanation for readers unfamiliar with the topic.

Source quality

The article primarily relies on statements from Xenia school board members and the district's treasurer, which are credible sources for their perspective. However, it lacks a wider range of sources, such as state officials or independent experts, to provide a more comprehensive view of the bill's implications. The reliance on local sources without corroborating information from broader authorities limits the article's reliability.

Transparency

The article is transparent about its sources, clearly attributing statements to specific board members and the district's treasurer. It also provides context about the bill and its potential effects on the district's finances. However, it does not disclose any potential conflicts of interest or provide detailed methodology for the financial projections mentioned, such as the $31.6 million balance or the $10 million budget reserve.