Needed State Law Changes
It is time for the State of Ohio to change the way that school systems in Ohio are funded.
The following are suggestions for additional state law changes. These items are currently just initial thoughts that need to be researched, discussed, proposed, and negotiated.
Manner by which schools are funded
When a new funding source (i.e. lottery, casinos, on-line betting, etc.) is found, the bill should include specific language that the agreed upon percentage of the profits will be directly distributed to local school districts and cannot be offset by other funding decreases.
Make the homestead exemption amount a percentage of value instead of a set $25,000
Totally exempt homeowners from school real estate taxes at age 72?, 75?, 80?
Place a limit on the percent increase of real estate school taxes
Eliminate using social issues, not required by law, as part of the state school grading system
Term limits for school board members
Ability to recall school board members
Change the number of Governor appointed members to the state school board - The governor appoints 8 of the 18, state board of education members
All tax issues be put on the November general election, not special elections. In addition, a 2 or 3 year time period after a levy failure before a new levy can be put on the ballot. Note: After an income tax failure, 5 years must pass before another attempt. Income tax can be voted on for a decrease, but real estate taxes are forever.
Limit on homeless transportation, consider time and distance. See the McKinney-Vento Homeless Children and Youth Program.
Taxpayer bill of rights
Supermajority required to raise any taxes
State Government Officials:
Ohio Governor, Mike Dewine
Lt. Governor, Jon Husted
Attorney General, Dave Yost
Auditor of State, Keith Faber
Secretary of State, Frank LaRose
Treasurer of State, Robert Sprague
School board
President, Paul LaRue, Washington Court House, Paul.Larue@education.ohio.gov
Vice President, Martha Manchester, Lakeview, Martha.Manchester@education.ohio.gov
Elected Members
Diana Fessler, Bellefontaine, District 1, Diana.Fessler@education.ohio.gov
Teresa Fedor, Bowling Green, District 2, Teresa.Fedor@education.ohio.gov
Charlotte McGuire, Dayton, District 3, Charlotte.McGuire@education.ohio.gov
Katie Hofmann, Cincinnati, District 4, Kathleen.Hofmann@education.ohio.gov
Brendan Shea, London, District 5, Brendan.Shea@education.ohio.gov
Antoinette Miranda, Columbus, District 6, Antoinette.Miranda@education.ohio.gov
Christina Collins, Medina, District 7, Christina.Collins@education.ohio.gov
Michelle Newman, Newark, District 8, Michelle.Newman@education.ohio.gov
John Hagan, Alliance, District 9, John.Hagan@education.ohio.gov
Tom Jackson, Solon, District 10, Thomas.Jackson@education.ohio.gov
Meryl Johnson, Cleveland, District 11, Meryl.Johnson@education.ohio.gov
At-Large Members
Mark Lamoncha, Leetonia, Mark.Lamoncha@education.ohio.gov
Jim Mermis, Upper Arlington, James.Mermis@education.ohio.gov
Walt Davis, Lebanon, walt.davis@education.ohio.gov
Brandon Kern, Amanda, Brandon.Kern@education.ohio.gov
Melissa Bedell, Columbus, Melissa.Bedell@education.ohio.gov