Protecting Westlake’s Schools and Your Investment: What You Need to Know About the New State Budget Proposal

Dear Westlake Families, Staff, and Community Members,

A new state budget bill recently passed by the Ohio House of Representatives could significantly impact Westlake City Schools' financial stability—and not in a positive way.

While it’s being promoted as “property tax relief,” the proposal includes a provision that would cap all public school districts’ cash reserves (or “carryover balances”) at 30%. Any funds above that cap would be returned to taxpayers as a one-time credit on property tax bills.

At first glance, a one-time credit may sound appealing, but the long-term consequences would be serious. This change would force Westlake Schools to return to the ballot more often, requesting additional tax dollars just to sustain current services.

What sets Westlake apart is our long-term approach to financial planning. According to our recent report from the Ohio Auditor of State, school districts with more than 6 months - or 50% - in reserves can earn a “Positive Outlook.” Districts below that threshold, or below another identifier, could receive a “Cautionary Outlook” and are advised to investigate the cause and take corrective action.Thanks to years of careful fiscal management, we currently maintain a healthy reserve equal to about 6.5 months - or 55% - of our annual budget.

The Auditor’s report is clear: a healthy reserve helps districts absorb unexpected costs or revenue shortfalls and allow time to adjust without disruption. Westlake’s current reserve places us in a strong, stable position and in line with the Auditor’s recommendations. A 30% cap would undermine that strength and could also reduce our rating in future financial health evaluations.

If passed, this proposed state budget bill could strip Westlake City Schools of approximately $15 million in locally controlled funds, undoing nearly two decades of thoughtful, responsible financial planning.

We believe our community deserves better.

Westlake hasn’t passed a new operating levy since 2006 — 19 years ago this month. That’s not luck; it’s the result of disciplined budgeting, efficient operations, and smart, forward-thinking investments. We’ve streamlined staffing, collaborated with labor organizations to ensure fair and sustainable contracts, consolidated elementary schools to reduce overhead, and invested reserves to generate additional revenue.

As a result, Westlake City Schools now has the lowest educational tax millage in Cuyahoga, Lorain, and Medina Counties. With our current financial plan, we expect to remain off the ballot for at least three more years (and possibly longer), bringing us close to a quarter-century without a new operating levy.

We know what matters to Westlake families: a high-quality education, safe and welcoming schools, and meaningful opportunities for every child to grow and succeed.

We know what our community values: responsible use of tax dollars and stability without constant levy requests. We’ve delivered on that promise—and we’re committed to preserving it.

Unfortunately, the proposed state budget threatens to undermine our progress. This kind of one-size-fits-all cap would erode local control and penalize districts like Westlake that have planned wisely. Instead of looking ahead, districts would be forced to operate “paycheck to paycheck,” relying on uncertain funding and repeated tax requests.

How You Can Help

Help protect Westlake’s schools. Contact your state legislators and ask them to oppose this harmful budget provision. Your support can make a difference.

Senator Rob McColley, Senate President:

Senate Building: 1 Capitol Square, Room 201, Columbus, OH 43215

(614) 466-8150

mccolley@ohiosenate.gov

Senator Jerry Cirino, Chair, Senate Finance Committee:

Senate Building: 1 Capitol Square, Room 127, Columbus, OH 43215

(614) 644-7718
cirino@ohiosenate.gov

Representative Matt Huffman, Speaker of the House:

Capitol Office: 77 South High Street, 14th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215

(614) 466-6344

rep78@ohiohouse.gov

Representative Brian Stewart: Chair, House Finance Committee

Capitol Office: 77 South High Street, 13th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215

(614) 466-1464

rep12@ohiohouse.gov

Representative Bride Rose Sweeney:

Capitol Office: 77 South High Street, 10th Floor, Columbus, OH 43215

(614) 466-3350
rep16@ohiohouse.gov

Senator Nickie Antonio:

Ohio Statehouse: 1 Capitol Square, Room 303, Columbus, OH 43215

(614) 466-5123
antonio@ohiosenate.gov

We invite you to read our latest Behind the W newsletter to see how Westlake has stretched every taxpayer dollar. On page 3, you’ll find a clear breakdown of our financial strategies and responsible planning.

Read the newsletter here: https://heyzine.com/flip-book/7d8b6472d7.html#page/2

Thank you for supporting Westlake City Schools. We remain committed to delivering an excellent education while being responsible stewards of the community’s trust and investment.

Sincerely,

Dr. Scott Goggin

Superintendent, Westlake City Schools