After lobbying elected officials, New Richmond Exempted Village School District will recoup at least a small portion of money lost by changes in power plants.
Earlier this year, Gov. Mike DeWine signed into law HB 164 which, among other things, includes Coronovirus-related provisions for school districts and payment to districts like New Richmond that experienced decreases in their public utility tangible personal property value or had state aid deductions due to the PUTPP increases.
New Richmond School District will receive just over $388,000 as a result of the passage of HB 164. The first of two installments of the payment was received in August.
“We’re thankful to the Ohio Legislature and Gov. DeWine for providing some relief for our district and others that have suffered financial hardship as a result of these significant changes in the energy industry,” Superintendent Tracey Miller said. “We’re especially thankful to Ohio Senator Terry Johnson and others for their tremendous support in moving this issue forward.”
Mr. Miller along with Director John Frye began lobbying for relief late last fall.
“We didn’t know what to expect when we began our lobbying efforts,” Mr. Miller said. “What we found were people willing to hear our story and work toward solutions. We are grateful for all who listened to our need and took it seriously.”
The bill signed into law June 19 by Gov. DeWine will increase flexibility for Ohio schools in the wake of COVID-19 as they approach the 2020-21 school year, Senator Johnson said in a press statement.
It will also provide additional funding for school districts with one or more power plants in their territory that experienced at least a 10% decrease in their taxable value between 2017-18 or 2019-20. Districts that are affected include Manchester, New Richmond, U.S. Grant and Felicity Franklin, according to the release.
"I am incredibly pleased that we have been able to pass important legislation to help our school districts recover from funds lost due to power plant closures," Mr. Johnson said. "Additionally, this bill will help prepare schools across Ohio for the upcoming year in the wake of COVID-19."