Over 200 concerned citizens attended the first town hall.
(Harrison, Oh.) - Over 200 concerned citizens joined a town hall at the end of September regarding state budget cuts impacting Southwest Local Schools.
Lawmakers in Columbus have made changes that will drastically impact the school district with nearly $3 million in state support going away in 2026-27.
In response, Southwest Local School District has been very open with community members about how the Columbus cuts will directly affect students.
Under House Bill 96, the state cut nearly $2 million in aid to Southwest. The school district had planned for a $1 million increase.
Future impacts are possible under HB 186, HB 129, and HB 309. These bills could result in an additional $3 to $6 million loss in planned funding.
According to the presentation from the first town hall. Southwest have two options. They can significantly decrease spending by $3 million or increase revenues through an operating tax levy.
Levy options include real estate permanent levy, real estate emergency levy, or earned income tax. All levies except the permanent levy can be limited to a set time period.
More information on the financial impact and levy options can be found here.
Community members will have one more opportunity to get the facts and make your voice heard. The next Town Hall is slated for Monday, October 27, 2025 at Harrison Junior School at 7:00 PM.
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