Ohio
Furor over Ohio’s rising property taxes has school districts educating voters, bracing for change
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Outrage from homeowners across Ohio over rising property taxes that prompted reforms from legislators and sparked a drive to abolish them permanently have public school districts concerned.
After all, money derived from property taxes is by far the largest funding source for the state’s public school districts.
The fury has prompted some districts to act, taking steps such as educating voters and considering new funding sources as they brace for what the storm may bring.
School districts have turned to the Ohio School Boards Association, asking how they can better explain how Ohio pays for public education, said Tom Hosler, the organization’s CEO.
“We are hearing from members. Questions about both the property tax changes (recently passed by the legislature) and what is kind of playing out for each individual (district) locally,” he said. “We also are hearing questions about the possible ballot issue amendment, with eliminating all property taxes.”
The Committee to Abolish Ohio’s Property Taxes, which is behind the proposed amendment to Ohio’s constitution, is collecting signatures to get on the Nov. 3 ballot. It needs just over 413,000 valid signatures of registered Ohio voters. Volunteers are gathering signatures.
Recent hikes in property values have many Ohio homeowners hurting. In some school districts, homeowners must pay higher property taxes to schools when their home value increases. That spurred interest in the proposed abolishment amendment.
But beyond that issue, districts are acting as legislators continue to consider reforms in Columbus.
Here’s a look at some of those efforts
Rocky River’s voter education
In Rocky River, in suburban Cleveland, the Superintendent Adham Schirg has started a social media series called The ABCs of School Finance.
Schirg said his 12-part series reflects his overall philosophy of being transparent. The series, he hopes, will make people in Rocky River better informed on how the tax system works.
Some trivia about Rocky River schools, from the first installment of the series: Just over 81% of the district’s annual revenues come from property taxes.
That’s high. Statewide, the average portion of school district revenue from local sources, including property taxes, is 46.8%.
Schirg has been sharing one-sheet data points each Friday. With the possibility that a proposed constitutional amendment abolishing property taxes will get on the Nov. 3 ballot, people in Rocky River who are paying attention will be better informed when they go to the polls.
Rocky River schools depend more on property taxes than other districts because of the city’s wealth.
The state’s funding formula expects wealthier districts to raise more money locally.
Of Rocky River schools’ $51.3 million yearly revenue, just $7.6 million comes from the state funding formula and the U.S. Department of Education for special education and other services.
“That puts the burden on local school districts to work with their residents to close that gap to provide educational services,” said Schirg, the superintendent.
Further adding to the tax burden of homeowners and farmers is how the legislature has given relief to business property taxpayers in recent years.
“Statewide, homeowners’ share has increased from 47% in 1991 to 70% in 2023,” the data sheet from Jan. 9 notes.
On Dec. 19, Gov. Mike DeWine signed a property tax package to provide property owners $3 billion in savings. Districts are evaluating the impact of the legislation.
Rocky River schools could hardest hit by House Bill 335, which limits increases districts receive for unvoted levies known as “inside millage” when counties revaluate property values, Schirg said.
Previously, if a house value increased by 30%, for example, districts would receive a 30% increase on the unvoted levies. Under HB 335, the increases will be capped to inflation over the preceding three years.
“This is something that we are prepared for and recognize that it’s something that we’re going to have to evaluate moving into those reappraisal processes,” Schirg said.
If the property tax abolishment plan gets on the ballot and wins, Rocky River would lose over $41.5 million annually.
“We would have to look to partner with our residents, along with state legislators, to figure out how do we make up for that revenue gap?” he said.
A different approach
Some school boards are looking at other options as they face a potential future without property taxes.
Last week the Willoughby-Eastlake City School District in Lake County took the first action in putting a 1.5% earned income tax on May ballots to replace four levies supported by property taxes.
School income taxes are more common in rural areas, where people may own a lot of land but not have huge incomes. Rural school boards have seen income taxes as fairer to the public, said Hosler of the Ohio School Boards Association.
“Now you’re beginning to have conservations about how does that work in these other settings,” he said. “I think it’s an option, not necessarily because of the property tax proposed amendment but I think just with property taxes and home values increasing and rising the way they have, that has caused boards to ask treasurers and superintendents to run the numbers.”
The Willoughby-Eastlake school board still needs to vote a second time to send the measure to May 5 ballots, board vice president Jaime Shatsman said. The public is invited to attend an event on Jan. 26 in which the earned income tax will be discussed.
An earned income tax would apply only to wages. Social Security, pensions, capital gains and other sources of income would not be taxed. The school board chose to tax wages in part to protect retirees leaving on fixed incomes, she said.
In a recession, when people earn less, they would be taxed less. The criticism of an earned income tax is that the funding squarely falls on working people, not on commercial and business profits or valuations, she said.
The 1.5% earned income tax would generate about $28.2 million for the district each year. The emergency levies it would replace total $29.6 million, for a savings to the public of about $1.4 million a year, Shatsman said.
The school board convened a work group to study the school funding issue as it saw property taxes becoming unaffordable as valuations soared. The school board also followed state-level discussions about lowering property taxes.
“Right now, a school district can only forgo property taxes, which gives taxes back to the people of all income levels, as well as businesses and corporations,” Shatsman said. “There was no good way for us to give significant relief to the people who need it most under the current existing laws. We kind of heard this from our community.”
The school board was also following the abolishment amendment. If property taxes go away, officials in Columbus will not be able or willing to replace all $22 billion statewide raised from property taxes for schools, she said.
“So we’re looking at all these things,” she said. “We’re saying, What other options do we have at a local level? We can’t wait around for someone else to fix this problem.”
Lake County Commissioner John Plecnik, who is also a Cleveland State law professor who studies taxes and public policy, thinks an earned income tax is a mistake.
Plecnik, who lives in the district, believes residents with the means will move out.
“This is going to create the classic tax death spiral,” he said. “You cannot have any tax rate – income, property, whatever – that is substantially above your neighbors without having people migrate.”
Plecnik, who supports the abolishment amendment proposal, said that the point of getting rid of property taxes is not to replace them with another funding stream.
“People want government to cut spending,” he said.
Abolishing property taxes
If the abolishment amendment gets on the ballot and passes, officials will likely have to cut state and local government.
Historically, most successful Ohio ballot campaigns use paid signature gatherers. The committee behind the abolishment proposal is using volunteers. Brian Massie, a member of the committee, declined to share how many names it has collected toward its goal.
Massie, a retired CPA and business owner who lives in Lake County, said cutting state and local government spending will put more money in the hands of people to spend locally, which will boost local economies, he said.
The state constitution requires the legislature to fund the public schools. Massie argues the legislature has shirked that duty.
Local districts should not be raising money through property taxes, because that’s the legislature’s job, he said.
And, he doesn’t think it’s naïve to end property taxes without a replacement stream of revenue. Government will adjust to the proper size, he said.
Rocky River City School District is among the state’s best. In September, it received 5 stars on the Ohio School Report Cards, the highest possible score. The report cards are mostly based on student performance in standardized tests.
But most districts don’t do as well. Massie said he doesn’t like how school expenses keep rising as enrollment across the state is generally on the decline.
“Schools have got to learn to perform better,” he said.
ALLIANCE, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – Wanda Lou Bailey, born August 8, 1940, in Charleston, West Virginia, passed away peacefully on April 18, 2026, in Louisville, Ohio. She was a beloved member of her community, whose life was marked by dedication to her family, faith, and numerous heartfelt pursuits.
A graduate of Poca High School in West Virginia in 1958, Wanda’s early years paved a foundation of commitment that she carried throughout her life. Her professional journey included roles at Big Lots and Quality Farm and Fleet, but it was her role as a pastor’s wife that truly defined much of her life’s work. Alongside her late husband, Rev. Paul Bailey, whom she married on May 31, 1958, Wanda was deeply involved in spiritual and community service until his passing on March 9, 2021.
Wanda’s warm spirit and spicy attitude extended beyond her family and church. She was known for her skills in puzzles, crafts, quilting-each piece a testament to her caring nature. Her memory bears, lovingly crafted from cherished fabrics, stand as small yet profound symbols of her dedication and love. She also volunteered for many years at Canaan Acres Christian Camp, embracing her role as “Camp Nana” with a heart full of grace and kindness, known by all who knew her there.
Wanda is survived by four devoted children: Paula (David) Monteleone, David (Debra) Bailey, Laura (Pastor Mike) Kimball, and Beth Bailey. She also leaves behind nine grandchildren-Jennifer (Nathaniel) Miller, Carrie (Casey) Callarick, Kimberly (Brandy) Brown, Michael (Heidi) McLaughlin, Gregory Bailey, Rev. Cassandra (Bryan) Wynn, Jeremiah (Jaclyn) Kimball, Courtnie (Jon) Eckelberry, and Joshua (Ruby) Vandeborne. Her legacy further extends through twenty-four great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren, as well as extended family who called her mom and nana, continuing her family lines that meant so much to her. Wanda was also sister to Mary McCalister, Clara Honaker, and Archie Quigley. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, William and Rebecca (Vansickle) Quigley, and her husband, Rev. Paul Bailey.
The community will gather to honor Wanda’s life and legacy with a viewing on April 25, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Canaan Acres Campground, located at 8020 Nazarene Ave NE, Louisville, Ohio 44641. A funeral service will follow at 4:00 PM the same day at the campground with her son in law Pastor Mike Kimball officiating. Entombment will take place at Highland Hills Cemetery in Follansbee, West Virginia. on Monday, April 27th the time will be announced at a later date.
Wanda Lou Bailey’s life was one of service, creativity, and boundless love-a true beacon to her family and community. She will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by all who had the privilege to know her. Memorial contributions can be made in Wanda’s memory to “Camp Nana Fund) in care of Caanan Acres Campground, 8020 Nazarene Ave. NE Louisville, Ohio 44641. Arrangements have been entrusted to Brown Funeral Home, Sebring Chapel (330) 938-2526, www.grfuneralhome.com.
Family and friends may view send condolences at Gednetz-Ruzek-Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Service.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Wanda Lou Bailey, please visit our flower store.
EAST LIVERPOOL, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) – Bonnie Sue Reed-Tilton-Hetzel, known lovingly as Bonnie, passed away on Thursday, April 16, 2026, in Cleveland, Ohio, following a sudden unexpected medical emergency.
Bonnie was born on March 27, 1947, in East Liverpool, Ohio.
Bonnie lived a life marked by faith, devotion and steady love. She was a Christian woman, whose life reflected the goodness she believed in and shared with others. Those who knew her best will remember her as faith-filled, loving and generous, a woman who offered encouragement, comfort and warmth wherever she went. She carried herself with a spirit that lifted others and she lived with the kind of purpose that leaves a lasting imprint on family, church and community alike.
Bonnie was preceded in death by her beloved daughter, Crystal Tilton (surviving husband Daniel) Sigmon of North Carolina. She was also preceded in death by her mother, Helen Cameron-Reed-Salisbury of East Liverpool, Ohio; her father, Leonard A. Reed of Ohioville, Pennsylvania; her grandparents, Frank and Ethel Hager-Cameron and Ina Duncan-Reed-Sarvey; and her two brothers, L. Frank Reed of Mansfield, Ohio and William J. Reed Sr. of East Liverpool, Ohio. Though these loved ones have gone before her, the bond of family and memory remains strong, and her life was deeply shaped by the generations who came before her and the ones she helped raise with love.
Bonnie graduated from East Liverpool High School in 1965, where she lettered in music, played violin in the orchestra and the bellyra in the band, where they marched in the 1964 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, an achievement that stood as a proud memory of her youth. Her school years reflected her gift for music and her willingness to serve as part of something larger than herself. She later attended Kent State University and continued to live with a spirit of growth, learning and perseverance.
Her work ethic was strong and steady and she was respected for the many ways she contributed to the lives around her. She worked at Hills department store, Carriage Hill Meat Packing Plant and the United States Postal Service offices in Steubenville, Youngstown, Boardman, Austintown, East Liverpool and Calcutta. Later, she became self-employed in construction, roofing and remodeling, where her determination and practical skills were evident to all who knew her. Bonnie understood the value of honest work and she met life’s responsibilities with courage and grace.
Bonnie’s interests reflected her heart for ministry, family and fellowship. She loved delivering the word of God through music ministry, alongside her husband, bringing hope and comfort to nursing homes and prisons. She served her community and church, Lake Milton Baptist Temple, where she felt called to live with love and generosity. She also cherished hosting family dinners, where board games, laughter and togetherness created memories that will continue to bless her family for years to come. She enjoyed travel, especially trips to Florida and visits with family, and she valued church activities and the companionship of her six rescue cats, who were also part of the home she nurtured with tenderness.
She is survived by her devoted, faithful and loving husband, Frank Hetzel, or as she would call him “her Franko”, to whom she married on January 9th 1988; and her sister, Judi Reed-Cameron of Salem, Ohio, who will forever share in the treasured memories of a lifetime of sisterhood.
Bonnie leaves behind her two daughters, T. Renee Tilton-Rardon and her husband, Gene Goldberg of Wellsville, Ohio and April Tilton Large and her husband, David Large of Minerva, Ohio; as well as her son, Aaron Tilton of Lake Milton, Ohio. She also leaves behind her two stepdaughters, Mary Elizabeth Hetzel of Tennessee and Rebecca Hetzel Fowler and her husband, James Fowler of Tennessee; and her stepson, Robert Hetzel and his wife, Amy Hetzel of Wisconsin. Her family circle extends through 15 grandchildren, Nicholas (Ashleigh) Rardon, Zachary (Haylee) Cramer, Cassandra Sigmon, Elijah (Alexis) Sigmon, Joshua Sigmon, Alexa Sigmon, Emma Large, Ivy Large, Elyse Tingler, Danni Tingler, Tristan (Laurel) Fowler, Colton Fowler, Christian (Clarinda) Hetzel, Faith (Jacob) Charpentier and Joy (Aaron) Kamla; as well as five great-grandchildren, Macie Cramer, Damian Rardon, Savannah Rardon, Alleah Cramer and Petra Charpentier. Her family was one of her greatest joys, and she treasured each name, each face, and each precious moment shared together.
Bonnie’s life offers a testimony that speaks plainly and powerfully. A life grounded in Christ does not end in defeat, because the faithful are held in the hands of God. She lived with conviction, served with compassion and loved with an open heart. Her story reminds us that a life of prayer, service and kindness is never wasted. As Maya Angelou wrote, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Bonnie made people feel loved, remembered, welcomed and encouraged and that is a legacy that endures.
Though her earthly journey has ended, Bonnie’s influence remains in the music she shared, the meals she prepared, the prayers she prayed, the work she completed and the family she helped shape. Her life was a blessing and her memory will continue to call others toward faith, gratitude and love. May those who mourn her also celebrate the hope she lived by, trusting that the same God who sustained her in life now holds her in eternal peace.
Romans 8:6
King James Version
“For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace.”
Viewing and services will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026, at Lake Milton Baptist Temple, 415 S Pricetown Road, Diamond, Ohio 44412. Viewing will be held from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m., with a service following at 3:00 p.m.
A small burial service for immediate family will be held at the cemetery afterwards.
There will be a dinner held at the church’s hall after funeral services and everyone is welcome to join to celebrate Bonnie’s life.
Arrangements for the family have been provided by Bernard P. Borowski Memorial Home.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Bonnie Sue (Reed) Tilton-Hetzel, please visit our floral store.
A television tribute will air Monday, April 20, at the following approximate times: 6:47 a.m. on WYTV, 9:43 a.m. on WKBN, 10:58 a.m. on FOX and 8:12 p.m. on MyYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing.
Fans got their first glimpse of the 2026-2027 Buckeyes during their spring game earlier today. In contrast to last year’s offensive takeover, it was the defense this year that shined for the most part.
With this, we still saw plenty of Buckeyes that proved that they are ready to play, and ready to play now. Here are three standouts from the Ohio State Spring Game.
Chris Henry Jr.
Coming into the game, most Ohio State fans had already penciled Chris Henry Jr., the No. 1 WR in the 2026 class according to ESPN, as the successor to Carnell Tate in the Buckeye offense.
Anyone that didn’t, probably should now.
The freshman wideout hauled in 4 passes for 96 yards, including a 40-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter.
Playing all snaps on the outside, Henry Jr. looked very poised, showcasing smooth route running and breakaway speed. The connection between him and another Buckeye on this list was the highlight of the offense for the day. There is no doubt he should be an immediate contributor in this Ohio State offense.
Tavien St. Clair
After a subpar showing at the spring game last year, Tavien St. Clair showed flashes of the top-10 recruit he was just two years ago.
He dazzled early with two big completions to Chris Henry Jr., showing off his big arm in the process.
His touchdown pass to Henry Jr. was a beautiful look off from St. Clair, who launched it right to the right pylon to find the freshman wideout.
It was not all sunshine and rainbows for St. Clair on the day though, as he was forced into a couple three-and-outs as well as a few balls that could have been intercepted.
All in all, all tools are there for St. Clair to be great when his number is called, and another year of growth under Julian Sayin should help him get there.
Beau Atkinson
Buckeye fans were surprised when Beau Atkinson was basically a non-factor on the defensive line a season ago, as the hype around him coming from North Carolina was immense.
The player they expected to see last year was on full display, as the senior finished the day with a sack and an interception off a Julian Sayin batted ball at the line of scrimmage.
His high motor was one to watch early, as his get-off and confidence at the position looked vastly improved from last year. He is one to seriously watch to be the starter next to Kenyatta Jackson Jr. come September.
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