What is at Risk for Kenston

Under this legislation, Kenston Schools stands to lose over $5.4 million annually, representing nearly 13% of our general fund operating revenue. This would force our district to make an impossible choice: enact a new tax levy far ahead of schedule, or implement deep, harmful cuts to staff, programs, and services for students.

This is not financial relief — it is a dismantling of our community’s investment in public education and local control. Even more concerning, the bill provides no state funding replacement for the lost revenue.

Why This Matters

For almost 20 years, our district has practiced conservative financial stewardship, from implementing shared services, right-sizing staffing, and building our financial reserves in a responsible way so we did not have to go back to our community for new money. Kenston’s current financial health is being built with transparency, accountability, and partnership with our families, staff, and community. With this being the first year we have not deficit spent. 

HB 335 threatens to undo all of that.

If passed, it would:

• Eliminate critical inside millage without voter input

• Slash over $5.4 million from our annual budget

• Force an early and unscheduled tax levy to maintain funding level.
  

• Undermine our long-term strategic planning and fiscal stability
  

• Put essential programming and services for students at risk

This means for Kenston:

• A cut in essential programs (arts, music, AP courses, Career Tech, and STEM initiatives)

  • $5.4 million equates to roughly 62 total teaching positions cut

• Increased class sizes
  

• Defer capital maintenance
  

• Eliminate of transportation routes
  

• Lay off staff: It is impossible to cut our way out of this type of loss.
  

• Seek more frequent, confusing levy campaigns that frustrate voters already uncertain about reduced tax bills.
  
  

We Need Your Voice – Act Now

We are working closely with elected officials and our education partners to advocate for the needs of Kenston students and families — but your voice is vital. Most concerningly, the HB 335 provisions could be added to the state budget bill behind closed doors during the upcoming Conference Committee negotiations, which must conclude by June 30.

Take Action Today:

Contact Your State Legislators
Urge them to oppose HB 335 and preserve inside millage. Use these talking points:

• Don’t support HB 335 or include it in the state budget.
  

• Don’t cut $5.4+ million in school revenue from Kenston.
  

• Don’t jeopardize our district’s ability to educate, support, and protect our students.
  

• Do support targeted relief for those in need without dismantling public school funding.
  

• Do listen to our community that values and supports Kenston Schools.

State Representative Steve Demetriou

• Phone: (614) 644-5088

• Email: rep35@ohiohouse.gov

• Address: Ohio House - 77 S. High St., 12th Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215

• Website: ohiohouse.gov/members/steve-demetriou/contact

Senator Kristina Roegner

• Phone: 614-466-4823

• Email: roegner@ohiosenate.gov

• Address:  Ohio Senate - 1 Capitol Square, First Floor 142, Columbus, Ohio 43215

• Website: https://www.ohiosenate.gov/members/kristina-d-roegner/contact

Spread the Word
Share this message with friends, family, and neighbors who care about protecting public education in our community.

Stay Informed
We will continue to provide updates through our district website and communications as the budget process moves forward.

Let’s Protect What We’ve Built Together

Kenston’s educational excellence reflects the values of our entire community, our commitment to students, our investment in their future, and our belief in high-quality public education. We must not let a rushed legislative proposal undo years of careful planning and shared sacrifice.

Please act now to help us protect our schools.

Sincerely,

Dr. Bruce R. Willingham Jr.

Superintendent
Kenston Local Schools