Chardon BOE Passes Resolution Against Proposed House Bill 335,
Citing Potential Loss of 120 Teaching Positions
Chardon Board of Education Special Meeting - June 18, 2025
Meeting Details: The meeting was held at 7:30 pm at the Chardon Board of Education building adjacent to the Chardon Middle School at 428 North Street, Chardon. Here is the link to the available Meeting Agendas and Minutes. Click on the meetings tab on the right to access the Agendas and Minutes. Although GTV usually videotapes Chardon Board of Education meetings, there was no one present from GTV at this meeting.
ROLL CALL AND WELCOME - Meeting was called to order. It was stated that this meeting is being held in accordance with Section 3313.16 of the Ohio Revised Code.
Attendance: Board President Karen Blankenship, Vice President Andrea Clark, and Todd Albright.
Absent: James Midyette and C.J. Paterniti
Staff Attendance: Superintendent Dr. Michael Hanlon and Treasurer Deb Armbruster
Others in Attendance: A reporter from Geauga Maple Leaf and this Observer
Adoption of the Agenda - Approved.
Hearing of the Public- Agenda Items Only - No public comment
Resolution Opposing Ohio House Bill 335
Dr. Hanlon introduced the Resolution below, which was the sole item on the agenda. It passed unanimously.
RESOLUTION # 2025-15
RESOLUTION OPPOSING PROPOSED HB 335 PROPERTY TAX REFORM
WHEREAS: Proposed House Bill 335 would eliminate over $1.5 Billion in annual funding to Ohio school districts; and
WHEREAS, this legislation could result in the elimination of approximately 20,000 teaching positions statewide, and
WHEREAS, The Chardon Local School District would lose approximately $4.3 million dollars in annual revenue which equates to an estimated 120 teaching positions; and WHEREAS, this reduction would require cuts to educational programs, services and personnel that benefit our students; and
WHEREAS, there are targeted alternatives like Senate Bill 22 that provide property tax relief without damaging school funding;
WHEREAS, The City of Chardon would lose approximately $630,000 dollars in annual revenue and Geauga County would lose approximately $11 million dollars in annual revenue, both having potential adverse impacts on the Chardon Local School District in the form of reductions in safety and emergency response services to our students and staff.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Chardon Local Board of Education opposes House Bill 335 (emphasis added) and urges the Ohio General Assembly to reject this legislation in favor of targeted relief measures that protect educational quality and community economic development.
Discussion included the following:
Dr. Hanlon said that the proposed bill would eliminate inside millage and parts of this bill could end up in the state budget that is to be approved by the end of June. Right now House Bill 335 is in the House Ways and Means Committee. Observer Note: For more information, see this article by WKYC and the news release from the bill sponsor Representative David Thomas here. Dr. Hanlon continued that House Bill 335 is also of concern to the City of Chardon, and it was stated that the City might be considering a resolution as well. Even if the basics of the bill are not included in the budget, the bill itself would still continue.
Dr. Hanlon said he would send copies of the Resolution to four people: Chardon’s State House Representative Sarah Fowler Arthur, Chardon’s State Senator Sandra O’Brien, State Senate Finance Chair Jerry Cirino, and State House Finance Chair Brian Stewart. This list was later revised to also include the Governor (see below).
Mrs. Clark asked if other districts are passing similar Resolutions. Dr. Hanlon said that he knew they were, but summer vacations have impeded some from addressing this.
Mrs. Clark also asked about the impact of potential cuts to the City of Chardon that would be caused by the proposed bill. Dr. Hanlon cited their reliance on Chardon safety forces, EMS and fire. He also said that Townships will not be impacted. Reviewer Note: House Bill 335 would repeal inside millage for most entities, but Townships are not affected. For more information on HB 335, please see the Ohio Legislative Service Commission Summary of HB 335.
Mrs. Blankenship suggested that a copy of the Resolution be sent to Governor DeWine since he has veto power, and Dr. Hanlon agreed.
Mrs. Clark asked about Senate Bill 22. Dr. Hanlon said that this bill would expand the eligibility for Homestead exemptions. Observer Note: This bill would expand the Homestead exemption to renters. It is now only available for homeowners within certain age and income brackets. This is the summary from LegiScan: To amend sections 5747.08 and 5747.98 and to enact section 5747.87 of the Revised Code to authorize a refundable income tax credit or rebate for homeowners and renters whose property taxes or a portion of their rent exceed five per cent of their income.
Dr. Hanlon said that the Chardon Board of Education recognizes the hardship of increasing property taxes. He noted that they have attempted to give back to the community by reducing fees and “pay to play,” which directly impact Chardon taxpayers who have children in the school. He said this resulted in over $1 million in savings being passed on to Chardon taxpayers.
Dr. Hanlon concluded that the Ohio budget process will be over in two weeks as the Budget has to be approved by July 1st. In his opinion, he thought there would be a bill available to the Governor 2-3 days before the deadline so that the Governor will have time to review for his line item vetos.
The meeting ended at 7:44 pm
Board agendas and minutes are available online.
The Next meeting is the regular meeting scheduled for June 23, 2025 at 5:30 pm.
Observer: Gail Roussey
Editor & Reviewer: Sarah McGlone
Date submitted: June 19, 2025
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