June 19, 2025
Dear North Royalton City School District Families and Community Members,
We are writing to inform you of a critical piece of legislation introduced in the Ohio House of Representatives this week—House Bill 335 (HB 335)—which would have a negative impact on the financial stability of our District and the quality of education we provide.
How does HB 335 impact our School District?
HB 335 proposes to eliminate local “inside millage,” which would immediately eliminate $8.6 million annually from our general fund and $1.4 million from our permanent improvement fund earmarked to maintain our capital assets (school buildings, buses, parking lots, roofs, etc…). This revenue represents a significant portion of our operating budget and there is no provision in the bill to replace the funds that we would lose.
Additionally, HB 335 seeks to eliminate emergency and substitute levies. This would prevent us from renewing our existing $17 million emergency levy, shifting 12.5% of the state contribution on to our local property taxpayers. Without the ability to renew, we would be forced to seek new operating dollars from voters.
We understand the desire for the legislature to provide property tax relief, and we would welcome the opportunity to collaborate with them to do so. The proposed approach is not a collaboration, it is simply removing dollars from our District and shifting additional burden on to our local taxpayers.
North Royalton City Schools has not asked voters for new operating dollars since May 2009, and we have worked diligently to maintain both academic excellence and fiscal responsibility. This bill as proposed would cause a significant impact to our District–educationally and financially.
What do we need to do as a community?
HB 335 could be added to the state budget through the Conference Committee process happening now. A final report is expected as soon as June 25. It is critical that legislators hear from our community before then.
We ask you to take a few moments to contact your state representatives and senators and urge them to oppose these proposed changes.
Rep. Mike Dovilla (House Finance Vice Chair)
Rep17@ohiohouse.gov
Phone: (614) 466-4895
Sen. Tom Patton
patton@ohiosenate.gov
Phone: (614) 466-8056
Sen. Jerry Cirino
Chair, Senate Finance Committee
cirino@ohiosenate.gov
Phone: (614) 644-7718
Rep. Bride Rose Sweeney
Ranking Member, House Finance Committee
Rep16@ohiohouse.gov
Phone: (614) 466-3350
Office of the Governor Mike DeWine
Thank you for your continued support of North Royalton City Schools.
Sincerely,
Michael Laub
Superintendent
North Royalton City Schools
Biagio Sidoti
Treasurer
North Royalton City Schools