HB 335 proposes eliminating school districts’ access to inside millage, a core component of local funding for the Avon Lake City Schools, a change that would mean the loss of $6.3 million per year—roughly 12% of the district’s operating budget. That loss would undo the progress we’ve made over the last several years and thrust our district into another financial crisis within a matter of months. What would the $6.3 million cut per year look like for the Avon Lake City Schools?
ALL of the following would be affected with a loss of $6.3 million per year:
· Over 40 positions, including administrators, classroom teachers, and support staff
· Athletic programs
· Supplemental programs (clubs, activities, music and art performances)
This is not surplus funding, but rather valuable dollars that pay for teachers in classrooms, counselors in our buildings, support staff who keep our schools running, and opportunities that provide our students with a well-rounded education. Such funding directly impacts how we deliver everything from special education services and mental health supports to extracurriculars and AP courses. If HB 335 passes, we would be forced to make devastating cuts across all these areas.
Additionally, ALCS is already at what’s considered to be the 20-mill floor, meaning that the district is unable to benefit from natural property valuation growth through reappraisal. HB 335’s proposed elimination of inside millage would further restrict our financial capacity. It’s not just an immediate funding cut—it’s a long-term structural limitation on our ability to serve students.
Moreover, and as you know, Avon Lake citizens just approved a new 3-mill operating levy this May, a clear indication of this community’s dedication to protecting high-quality public education. That local investment was critical in restoring important fiscal balance after years of deficit spending. With voter support, the district now finds itself on more stable financial footing—but just barely. We must preserve every dollar possible for our students!
As a closing note on this point, the statewide impact of HB 335 threatens to remove more than 8% of K–12 public school funding, with consequences that could amount to the loss of up to 20,000 teaching positions. Its negative impact is significant!
