(PHOTO BY BRENNA WHITE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
DRASTIC EFFECT ON SCHOOLS … Superintendent Lichty reports his findings of House Bill 335 to the Montpelier School Board.
By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
The Montpelier Board of Education met for its regular meeting on Tuesday, June 24, to address a range of topics, including financial reports, personnel changes, service contracts, and appropriations for the upcoming school year.
Board President Nate Rose, Dunne Gambler, Troy Roth, and Jennifer Schlosser were in attendance, with board member Patti Rockey absent.
A legislative report was given by Superintendent Travis Lichty, who had attended a webinar regarding House Bill 335 earlier that day. He explained to the board that if this bill passes, it will have a huge negative impact on public schools in Ohio.
“In one word to describe the House Bill 335—cataclysmic. If passed as is, the result will be a loss of two billion dollars of funding for Ohio schools. It could cost up to 20,000 teachers their job.”
Lichty continued on to explain how the substantial budget cuts could affect programs and extracurriculars offered.
“For districts like us, it would have a drastic effect on us at the 20-mill floor. It would have a cataclysmic effect on public education.”
Ohio House Bill 335, titled “Property Tax Relief NOW Act,” proposes significant changes to Ohio’s property tax system, especially involving school funding as we know it.
This bill aims to deliver billions in property tax relief but also introduces strict restrictions on school funding and inside millage. It gives the county budget commission more power to review and overturn voter-approved levies.
“We’re really hoping to see House Bill 335 changed, gotten rid of, blown up…” Lichty jokes. “If anyone feels like reaching out to our state representatives or senators, now would be a good time.”
During the meeting, the board accepted several notable financial donations benefiting various student programs.
The financial report for May 2025 was approved, alongside budget comparisons and investment records. Temporary appropriations for the 2025-2026 fiscal year were established.
Personnel updates were discussed under the employment section. The board approved the resignation of executive secretary Pamala Pawlowicz, and shortly afterwards accepted the retire/rehire contract for her to continue working. Additionally, School Resource Officer Richard Shatzer was approved for a one-year contract with Montpelier Schools.
Other personnel decisions included the hiring of teachers and paraprofessionals, staffing reassignments, and multiple supplemental coaching and advisory positions.
Under purchases and service contracts, the board accepted a three-year bid for trash removal from Republic Services. Milk service will continue with Kuster’s Dairy, the district’s prior provider.
In other business, the board reaffirmed cell phone and uniform stipends for select administrative and support staff. Current school lunch pricing was also approved as follows: grades K-8 at $3.50, grades 9-12 at $3.75, and adults at $4.75.
The meeting adjourned at 6:01 p.m. with no further business.