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Celina Board of Education Reviews Five-Year Forecast, Discusses State Funding Cuts and Property Tax Reform

CELINA — The Celina City Schools Board of Education met Monday evening to review district finances, approve personnel changes, and discuss ongoing construction updates across district facilities.

Facilities Director Phil Metz reported that work continues at the 7–12 building with window installations nearly complete and painting underway on stage masonry walls. Gutters and downspouts are being added, and grading has begun on the new band practice field in hopes of seeding grass before winter. Metz also noted irrigation has been installed at the new elementary school to combat dry conditions.

The district’s ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Celina Elementary School drew praise from board members and administrators for the student performances and strong community turnout.

Treasurer Michelle Mawer presented the district’s five-year financial forecast, warning of major funding challenges ahead due to state-level property tax reform and legislative changes. She projected a $1 million reduction in state funding for fiscal year 2026 and outlined potential additional losses if current bills before the Ohio General Assembly are passed.

“House Bill 186,” Mawer said, “could cost Celina Schools nearly $1.8 million in 2025 and more than $2.7 million each of the following two years.” She noted that state property tax legislation, including House Bills 129, 309, and 335, could significantly shift funding responsibility from the state to local taxpayers.

Board members expressed concern that the loss of state funding would force local communities to bear an even greater share of school costs.Mawer's data showed state funding dropping to 37% of total revenue, while local tax support now accounts for nearly 60%.

Superintendent Brooke Gessler echoed those concerns, noting that property tax reform efforts have trended toward shifting the burden to local districts since the 1990s. “Something is going to happen with property tax,” Gessler said. “The goal is to find a solution that doesn’t devastate public schools and local services like fire and police.”

Mawer emphasized that the district’s current emergency and income tax levies, set to expire in 2027 and 2029 respectively, are essential to maintaining operations. Without renewal, the district’s cash balance could fall dramatically.

Efforts are underway at the state level to address property tax reform, but local leaders say any changes must be made carefully.
Gessler noted that state officials and advocacy groups are working to find ways to adjust property taxes without hurting public schools, police, fire departments, and other essential community services.

Gessler added that groups are preparing to release infographics and public information campaigns to help Ohioans understand how tax shifts could impact their communities — and what could happen if property taxes were significantly reduced.To hear comments with Brooke Gessler:

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In other business, the board approved:

• Personnel items including stipends for the eSports advisor, elementary tutoring and middle school study table supervisors, and extended school year services for special education students.

• Three overnight student trips for FFA, Glen Helen, and FCCLA participants.

• Donations totaling more than $9,000, including $2,000 from the Celina Eagles and $1,710 from Celina Moose Lodge for FFA programs, and a donated 2011 Honda CRV valued at $3,500 for Tri Star Automotive.

• Approval of the October five-year forecast and FY26 Certificate of Estimated Resources.

The board also discussed community questions about golf carts driven by underage students during homecoming week and clarified purchasing and reimbursement items in the district’s accounts payable.

Board members thanked the community for continued financial support and encouraged residents to reach out with questions about the upcoming levy renewal.