Dear Orange Schools Community,
The community support received by the Orange City School District helps maintain the educational excellence you expect and our children deserve. The reason we are reaching out to you today is to inform you of an imminent and devastating threat facing Orange Schools and public school districts throughout Ohio that we learned about within the past few days.
In addition to the previously shared concerns associated with the Budget Bill (HB96) - the potential dismantling of the Fair School Funding Plan, general fund carryover caps, and expansion of vouchers - a potentially more damaging threat has emerged. House Bill 335, euphemistically branded as the "Property Tax Relief NOW Act," represents a direct assault on our children's education. HB335 strips millions of dollars from our schools by revoking our ability to collect inside millage—a cornerstone of local funding that our community has entrusted to support quality education.
What is at Risk for the Orange City School District
Under this ill-conceived legislation, Orange Schools would suffer an annual loss of $7,947,699 million, representing 13.6% of our general fund operating expenditures. It amounts to a loss of nearly $4,000 per student. There would be no way to avoid the risk of reducing student academic opportunities as this would force our district to consider cutting staff, courses, programs, and services for our students. HB335 is not financial relief. It is a dismantling of our community's investment in public education and undermines local control. Even more concerning, the bill provides no state funding replacement for the lost revenue.
The annual loss of $7,947,699 results in a return of only $13.27 per month per $100,000 of fair market value to the taxpayer, representing minimal tax relief relative to the massive financial impact on our schools.
This would be the most significant change to public school funding in nearly 50 years, since House Bill 920 in 1976—and even earlier, when the current funding framework was enacted through a 1933 initiative petition
Why This Matters
For decades, Orange City School District has demonstrated responsible and conservative financial stewardship, strategically building reserves to avoid returning to our community for new operating funds. The District’s financial health continues to be guided by transparency, accountability, and strong partnerships with our families, staff, and community. Through careful planning and unwavering commitment, we have consistently achieved balanced budgets and successfully avoided deficit spending.
If passed, House Bill 335 would have serious consequences for Orange Schools:
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Forcing an earlier-than-planned tax levy to maintain funding levels
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Threatening our long-term fiscal stability including depleting reserves to below policy
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Shifting focus away from educational opportunities to plug budget holes
Our Communities Will Also Be Affected
In addition to harming schools, this bill would also reduce funding to municipalities within the Orange City School District, impacting funding for local services such as first responder pension contributions, debt service, and day-to-day operating expenses.
It is important to note that 43% of the dollars taken away under this proposal fund your municipal services, Metroparks, and county services. Taken together, this represents an impact of more than $14 million on the schools and overlapping local governments that depend on inside millage.
We Need Your Voice – Take Action Now
We are working closely with elected officials and our education partners to advocate for the needs of Orange students and families — but your voice is essential. Most concerningly, HB335 provisions could be inserted into the state budget bill behind closed doors during the upcoming Conference Committee negotiations, which must conclude by June 30, 2025.
Here’s How You Can Help:
Reach out to your State Legislators to urge them to oppose HB335 and preserve inside millage. Use these talking points:
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Vote NO on HB335
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Reject any effort to include it in the state budget
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Protect the $7,947,699 million in funding for the Orange Schools
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Preserve our district's ability to educate, support, and protect our students
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Support targeted relief for those in need without dismantling public school funding
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Listen to communities like ours, who value and support their public schools
State Senator Jerry Cirino
Also, consider contacting our local representatives who understand the nuances and importance of these concerns.
For your convenience, here are links to a Senate Directory and House Directory for Ohio.
Finally, please call Governor Mike DeWine at (614) 644-4357 asking him to veto HB335 if passed or to line-item veto it if placed in the Budget Bill.
Spread the Word
Please share this message with friends, family, and neighbors who care about protecting public education in our community.
Stay Informed
We will continue to provide updates through our website and district communications as the budget process moves forward. We will be sharing a presentation soon with additional details that explain how HB335 affects you and your community.
At Orange City Schools, we are committed to authentically engaging every student in a positive, supportive, and safe environment where they are encouraged to grow as critical thinkers and responsible, civic-minded individuals. We must not let a rushed legislative proposal undo years of careful planning.
Please act now to protect our schools and our communities.
Sincerely,
Dr. Lynn Campbell
Superintendent
Orange City School District
And
Todd Puster
Treasurer/CFO
Orange City School District
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