Mr. Stuver Goes to Columbus

He may only have five minutes, but when Ron Stuver, the board of education president, makes his case to legislators in Columbus later today, he’s going to make it count.

Stuver will be in the state capital at 10 a.m. today, urging the Finance Subcommittee on Primary and Secondary Education to rethink proposed spending cuts that would deeply affect schools like Twinsburg.

“The thing that I want to make note of to these committee members is number one, Twinsburg is a quality school district,” Stuver said.

Already aware of the impending loss of the tangible personal property tax (TPP), the district has been managing the budget however it can, even leaving open retired positions, Stuver said. He believes that as things stand now, they can make things work out for the best.

“However, House Bill 153, the state budget, basically throws a wrench in that,” Stuver said. “By reducing our state foundation aid, and accelerating the reduction of the TPP reimbursements, they put us in a position to receive even less revenue than forecasted.”

With HB 153 the district stands to lose $1.7 million with the accelerated phaseout of the TPP and $500,000 of foundation aid. Stuver hopes they will consider revising the bill so that TPP reimbursements will be maintained and not eliminated, as well as keeping state foundation aid at its current level.

“What I’m asking is: ‘Don’t take any more away, leave it where it is,’” Stuver said.

He said he goes into the hearing with hope, that maybe some seed will be planted for a more promising outcome, but also realizes the signs aren’t looking good.

“I am fearful that no matter how much we say or how loud we say it, the budget challenge is too great and they will have to make these cuts,” Stuver said. “With that said, I’m going to go down there and give it my best effort and maybe I’ll catch somebody’s attention.”