Update on the state biennium budget bill

Gov. Mike DeWine signed the budget bill (HB 96) at 11:15 p.m. Monday, just ahead of the midnight deadline. The governor issued 67 line-item vetoes, including the proposed 40% cap on cash carryover balances for school districts. 

The proposed cap had been incorporated into the final House-Senate version of the state budget that was sent to the governor last week. Because of that, the Upper Arlington Board of Education took proactive steps at a special meeting on June 26 to protect the community’s investment in its schools by transferring funds to four key areas: a new Capital Project Fund for technology and vehicle needs, the Capital Project Future Fund to offset costs for phase two of the facilities master planning process, the Building Reserve Fund for ongoing maintenance, and the district’s Benefit Fund.

“While these transfers were made in response to the proposed changes at the state level, these allocations reflect our longstanding commitment to strong, forward-thinking financial planning and align with the district’s long-term goals,” said Superintendent Robert Hunt, Ph.D.

In addition to vetoing the carryover cap, the enacted state budget continues the phased-in implementation of the Fair School Funding Plan and provides additional funding to support enrollment growth and performance-based incentives. House Bill 335 — a proposal to eliminate inside millage, a form of unvoted tax revenue — was not included in the final budget bill.

We appreciate members of our community that joined us in advocating for our school district.