By: John Fryman
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
john@thevillagereporter.com
Stryker Board of Education addressed a financial concern in regard to the district’s property tax funding being reduced at its meeting Monday, Aug. 17.
According to District Treasurer Nate French, the district will see a reduction of $330,000 in funding from the straight property tax, which is collected twice yearly in January and July, because of the newly enacted property tax laws.
“This year the state did reimburse the district but also indicated they are planning on doing it next year, but it’s going to be a part of the new fiscal budget by the state,” said French.
“Based on some other things they’ve done in the past with funding, we’re a little concerned about what we’ll see next year. After that, the drop won’t be reimbursed.”
French pointed out the biggest problem is just the way the state does funding has dropped over the years. He then added that the state is no longer contributing as much toward local education.
“We’re trying to figure out how to make it up on the local side,” French commented. “We are looking on what we can do in going forward.”
He noted that it’s already been a major discussion point around the state.
“We’re trying to reach out to our legislators and to inform the public on what’s going on,” said French. “Next month, our district and other school districts will be publishing some information on facts on what has changed. There has been a big shift in the total state support for schools. Just trying to find the right structure and communicate that with the state going forward on having good schools.”
Following the start of the meeting, the board went into executive session at 5:32 p.m. to consider the compensation of a public employee or official and to prepare for negotiations or bargaining sessions with public employees concerning their compensation or other terms and conditions of their employment.
The board returned from executive session at 5:48 p.m. with no action taken.
In other business:
-French reported the district’s general fund cash balance was $6,940,625. Revenues totaled $700,346 and expenditures $679,303 for July.
– Accepted donations of $300 from an anonymous donor to the food service fund for student accounts, $200 from the Stryker American Legion to the music fund, $12,500 from the Ohio High School Athletic Association Athletic Enrichment Fund to the athletics fund and $100 from Ken Dale Farms LLC to the FFA fund.
-Approved the August 2026 financial forecast as presented.
-Approved the revised classified 2026-2027 rate schedule as presented.
-Approved Joe Keween as ninth-grade boys basketball coach and Blake Burkholder as archery club coach.
With no further business, the meeting adjourned at 6:18 p.m. The next meeting will be Monday, Sept. 21 at 5:30 p.m.
Story updated August 24, 2026 at 10:14 a.m.
