Dr. Toth's Info Page

To Our Red Rider Community,

We Need Your Voice!

For the past four years, Ohio school leaders have worked to improve public school funding through the Fair School Funding Plan, a formula designed to ensure districts receive the funding they need based on what students actually require, not just what is available.

Ohio legislators in the House Finance Committee have accepted a substitute version of HB96, modifying the Governor's version. This version negatively impacts public schools. It does not continue the phase-in of the fair school funding formula and does not update the base costs used to fund districts properly. The cost calculations in the formula are based on 2022 figures, which do not reflect today's higher costs. Orrville City Schools and all Ohio public schools will not receive the full and fair funding they deserve.

Legislators are also focusing on limiting our cash balances. Orrville City Schools has operated fiscally conservatively over the past several years to achieve a healthy, not excessive, carryover balance. These funds are currently under local control. If approved, this legislation could lead to significant fluctuations in local taxes. The proposed changes in HB 96 would decrease the overall state funding allocated to Orrville Schools in the long term. These changes could force us to make difficult choices about staffing, programs, and resources for our students.

How You Can Help!

We need to reach out to legislators now and remind them that the fair school funding formula was developed over years of research based on what it actually costs to educate students. We need to continue the final 2 years of the phase in and have the base costs updated.

Legislators need to hear from parents, staff, and community members like you about why public school funding matters. A simple, personal letter can make a big difference.

Here's an easy way to structure your message:

1. Share your story

– Why is Orrville City Schools important to you and your child?

2. Make your request

– Ask legislators to fully phase in the Fair School Funding Plan, update cost calculations, and remove the 30% cash balance limit on our schools.

3. Thank them

– Show appreciation for their attention and support.

Act Now!

Contact Information for the District 31 (Wayne, Tuscarawas, Muskingum, and part of Stark and Guernsey) Senator:

Senator Al Landis landis@ohiosenate.gov

614-466-5838

Legislative Aid #1 for Senator Landis

Matthew Houk Matthew.houk@ohiosenate.gov

Legislative Aid #2 for Senator Landis

Susan Wittstock

Susan.wittstock@ohiosenate.gov

Thank you for your continued support of our students and our schools. We are committed to navigating these challenges together and ensuring a bright future for Orrville education.

Sincerely,

Dr. David Toth

Superintendent, Orrville Schools