Southern Local monitors state legislation affecting funding

The Southern Local School District is closely monitoring state legislation that could negatively affect its finances.

Treasurer Greg Sabbato told board members during the Dec. 9 meeting that several bills are advancing through the Ohio Statehouse that could impact how the district is funded.

“We are tracking several bills that have passed in the House and the Senate that will impact Southern Local specifically,” Sabbato said. “There are probably about 15 bills that will impact the way we get funded in our community and the way the state funds us.”

Sabbato said the district could lose an estimated $445,000 in state foundation funding, though the amount has not been finalized.

“We believe that’s going to be the impact of those bills,” he said.

He also addressed a proposed statewide referendum that would eliminate real estate taxes, which would affect schools, townships and fire departments. If approved, the state would need to determine a new funding model.

“That unknown is what is worrying me, and a lot of my colleagues,” Sabbato said.

Board President Scott Hart recognized outgoing board members Kip Dowling, who served 12 years, and John Sawyer, who served several terms beginning in 1989. New board members Jeremiah Cole and Elizabeth Weston will take office in January.

Hart read a letter praising Dowling and Sawyer’s service and dedication, stating their work “strengthened our district and enriched the educational experience of our students.”

In other matters:

— Southern Local Elementary School secretary Sandy Lewis suggested installing a memorial bench in honor of District Athletic Director Bob Shansky, who also served as senior class adviser. Students have expressed interest in helping with the project.

— Shansky was recognized with a plaque for earning his 700th career volleyball coaching victory.

— Substitute approvals included custodian and secretary Jenna Corbin; teachers and paraprofessionals LoveDevett Hill, Jonathan Bailey and Glenna McNeil; and school nurse Katherine Grafton.

— Staff actions included hiring Ciara Leggett as Indian Academy administrative assistant; approving a Utica Shale Academy staffing agreement for John Wright and an additional contract for the EQT tractor project; approving a three-year contract for school security officer Jeff Haugh; hiring Trista Furbee as a four-hour elementary cafeteria worker; and approving volunteer coaching assignments for Jason Riggs, Mark Soukup, LoveDevett Hill, Mark Emmerling, Logan Krulik and Brenden Severs for the 2025–26 school year.

— Officials approved bonuses for all operational staff at Utica Shale Academy for exceeding expectations on the school report card, paid through Utica Shale Academy funding.

— The board approved a quote from the Center of Music and Art in Wintersville for updated sound and lighting equipment for the cafetorium.

— The next meeting was set for Jan. 13 at 6 p.m. at the Williams Collaborative building in Salineville, preceded by a tax meeting and organizational session.